Siya J.

Delta, British Columbia

Other

My Sikh Family History

My project is about my family history.  My great, great grandfather was the first in my family to come to Canada in 1907.  It also has some information about the first Sikh immigration.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I have learnt in my project was my first family member, my great, great grandfather coming to Canada. I did not know that someone in my family came so early, in 1907, and learning all about him was so interesting. Especially looking at the stamps in the passport, showing how hard the travel was.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

The Sikh pioneers like my great, great grandfather came to Canada and went through very hard times in order for Sikhs to live here today. A very important lesson that I have learnt in my project is to stand up for what you believe in. Another lesson I learnt was that you should always treat people fairly no matter what culture or skin colour they are.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Back then, Sikhs worked on the railway, on farms, in forestry and fisheries, but today Sikhs can work any job. Anybody can go to school today, but in the early 1900s it was very hard for the Sikhs. Also, today Sikhs coming to Canada bring their families with them, but in 1907 it was much more difficult.