Sawmill workers

Transcription of interview with Mohinder Singh Gill in which he discusses his personal history, his life in Canada working in sawmills and his life experiences. Gill also discusses why he eventually left working in mills, his memories of working in sawmills and he mentions the weather conditions in Topli, B.C.

Narrative of Mohinder Singh Gill discusses his immigration history, citizenship status and personal history. Gill began working on a sawmill in Canada when he first arrived in Merritt.

Audio interview with Mohinder Singh Gidda conducted by MB. Mohinder Singh Gidda is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1970. Gidda began working at the Snowcrest Canary in Abbotsford, B.C when he arrived in Canada. He discusses his work experience in both farms and sawmills. Gidda also discusses the people he worked with, his experience living in bunkhouses, his unions experiences, and the racism he faced over the years.

Transcription of interview with Mohinder Singh Gidda in which he discusses his personal history and immigration to Canada in 1970. Gidda began working at Snowcrest Canary in Abbotsford, B.C and worked in both farms and sawmills in Canada. He also discusses the people he worked with, his experiences living in bunkhouses, his union experiences, and the racism he faced over the years.

Narrative of Mohinder Singh Gidda discusses his personal work background, life in India, and immigration to Canada in 1970. Gidda mentions his marriage and working in both farms and various sawmills in B.C. He discusses his wages, working conditions and encounters with racism. He further discusses stories about union debates and his support for the International Woodworkers of America (IWA). Gidda concludes by reflecting on his past.

Photo of Mohinder Singh Gidda working in a sawmill. He is sorting wood. There is machinery visible in the background. The photo is taken from above.

Photo of Mohinder Singh Gidda working in a sawmill. There are two different images in the photograph. In both, he is sorting wood. There is machinery visible in the background.

Audio interview with Mohinder Singh, the Paldi gurdwara granthi. Mohinder Singh tells the story of Mayo Singh. Mayo Singh Manhas came to Canada in 1906. Mayo Singh began working in sawmills during the first world war. Mohinder Singh discusses how he purchased an at-risk-of-closing sawmill with other men. He was able to build a profitable business and used those profits to purchase 1300 acres on the island . Mayo Singh partnered with Kapoor Singh and began to develop a town on the land which they named Paldi. Mohinder Singh also mentions how Mayo Singh was seen as a very generous man as he donated money to many people in need. Several generosity stories are mentioned. The interview concludes with Mohinder Singh mentioning Mayo Singh's family and legacy today.

Transcription of the Mayo story told by the Paldi granthi, Mohinder Singh. Mohinder Singh discusses Mayo Singh Manhas' personal history and immigration to Canada in 1906. Mayo Singh began working in sawmills during the first world war. Mohinder Singh discusses how Mayo Singh purchased an at-risk-of-closing sawmill with other men. He used his entrepreneurial skills to build a profitable business and used those profits to purchase 1300 acres on the island. Mayo Singh partnered with Kapoor Singh and began to develop a town on the land which they named Paldi. Mohinder Singh also mentions how Mayo Singh was a very generous man as he donated money to many people in need. Several generosity stories are mentioned. The transcription concludes by mentioning Mayo Singh family and legacy today.

Narrative of Mayo Singh as told by the Paldi gurdwara granthi, Mohinder Singh. Mohinder Singh discusses Mayo Singh Manhas' personal history and immigration to Canada in 1906. Mayo Singh began working in sawmills in BC during the first world war. Mohinder Singh discusses how Mayo Singh purchased an at-risk-of-closing sawmill with a few other men. He was able to build a strong business and used the profits to purchase 1300 acres on the island. Mayo Singh partnered with Kapoor Singh and began to develop a town on the land which they named Paldi. The narrative also mentions how Mayo Singh was a very generous man as he donated money to many people in need. Unfortunately, after his death his legacy collapsed despite efforts from family members. However, today Mayo Singh's daughter-in-law, Joan Mayo, holds an annual prayer at the Paldi Gurdwara in memory of her husband, Rajindi Mayo.