Audio

Audio interview with Nazar Singh Gill conducted by MB. Nazar Singh is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1963. Gill began working as a cleaner at Harman Sawmill in Mission, B.C. before started working as a sawmill labourer. He also discusses his thoughts about Canada and the various roles he had a sawmills.

Audio interview with Mohinder Singh Gill conducted by SB. Mohinder Singh Gill is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1962. Once in Canada he began working at the Nicola Valley Mill in Merritt, B.C. Gill discusses his personal history, his life in Canada working in sawmills and his experiences. He 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.

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.

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.

Audio interview with Manga Lagah conducted by MB. Manga Langah is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1954. Lagah discusses working in a mill factory, the difference between union and nonunion mills, as well as his family and marriage. Lagah mentions the celebrations he attended in his leisure time such as Lohri, Vaisakhi, and the Nagar Kirtan. He also speaks about cooking, challenges he faced with racism, and his wages.

Audio interview with Malkit Singh Sidhu conducted by MB and Dr. Kusum Soni. Malkit Singh Sidhu is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1959. He began working in a sawmill in Mission, B.C. In part two, Sidhu discusses what it was like when he first landed to Canada.

Audio interview with Malkit Singh Sidhu conducted by MB and Dr. Kusum Soni. Malkit Singh Sidhu is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1959. He began working in a sawmill in Mission, B.C. In part one Sidhu discusses his immigration history and his experience working sawmills. Sidhu also discusses buying groceries, the economy and his co-workers. He also discusses what it was like working in a unionized mill.

Audio interview with Malkiat Singh Dhaliwal conducted by MB. Malkiat Singh Dhaliwal is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1981. He first began working as a cleaner in Maple Ridge, B.C. Dhaliwal discusses his personal history and working in the mills after being a cleaner. Dhaliwal also mentions his co-workers, his working conditions, the types of jobs he had at the mill, and his wages. He further discusses the few parties and celebrations he attended in his leisure time such as Diwali and Lohri. Lastly, he discusses Canada's economy.

Audio interview with Kulwant Singh Cheema conducted by SB. Kulwant Singh Cheema is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1966. He first began working at KP sawmill in Merritt, B.C. Cheema discusses his immigration story to Canada, his marriage, the working conditions in sawmills, and wages. He also mentions his housing conditions, the food he ate and his co-workers. He also discusses the economy and his time spent outside of work.

Audio interview with Joginder Singh Bassi conducted by SB. Joginder Singh Bassi is a Canadian citizen who came to Canada in 1959. He began his first job in Victoria on a farm. In the interview he discusses his family/immigration history, marriage, working in both sawmills and on farms in Canada. Bassi also discusses his co-workers, living conditions in bunkhouses. He further mentions the length of his shifts, his wages, and retirement.