Temple from the South East

This is the agenda as envisaged by the Heritage Committee for the 2011 Centennial Celebrations:

• In 1911, determined Sikh pioneers from India built this temple, or Gurdwara with lumber donated from the nearby sawmill where many of them worked. Blending traditional Sikh and western frontier designs, the temple included a langar hall and a prayer hall of worship. It also became a centre for the social and political life of South Asian immigrants, helping them forge a vibrant community. Today, this oldest surviving Gurdwara in North America reminds us of the immigrant experience of Sikhs in Canada, and continues to be a sacred symbol of their spirituality. Completely renovated and beautified, this National Historic Site is being honoured by the community through year-long activities and events that we invite you to attend.

  January 10
  Photo Exhibition at Abbotsford City Hall
  Proclamation by Mayor

  February
  Eat Ethnic Abbotsford

  March 29

  Temple from the South East

  South Asian Reader’s and Writer’s Festival
  The Centre for Indo Canadian Studies at UFV presents the South Asian Readers' and Writer's Festival on Tuesday, March 29th. The headliner for the evening will be Anosh Irani, who will discuss and read from his latest book, "Dahanu Road." Writers who will also be presenting include: Tariq Malik and Gurjinder Basran. Prior to the festival, the CICS is launching a "One Book, One UFV" reads campaign, where faculty, staff, students, and community members are encouraged to read "Dahanu Road" in anticipation of the event itself.

  Where: B101, Theatre Room, University of the Fraser Valley
  When: Tuesday, March 29th at 6pm

  April 13-June 5
  April 13 Opening Reception
  National Historic Site Sikh Temple Exhibition
  Reach Gallery and Museum

  April
  Vaisakhi Luncheon
  Fraser Valley Indo Canadian Business Association

  May 5
  Opening Reception Punjabis in the 21st Century Conference5pm
  Centre for Indo Canadian Studies, UFV

  May 6
  Transnational Punjabis in the 21st Century Conference
  Centre for Indo Canadian Studies, UFV
  Tour, National Historic Site Gur Sikh Temple
  Khalsa Diwan Society, Abbotsford

  May 7
  Constructs and Contradictions Undergraduate Conference 9am
  Centre for Indo Canadian Studies, UFV

  May 7
  Virasat Pioneer Gala
  Fraser Valley Indo Canadian Business Association
  Centre for Indo Canadian Studies, UFV

  August 26
  Starting Sri Akhand Path Sahib Prayer at National Historic Site
  Khalsa Diwan Society, Abbotsford

  August 27
  Cultural Events
  Khalsa Diwan Society, Abbotsford

  August 28
  Bhog Sri Akhand Path Sahib Prayer at National Historic Site
  Jore Mela
  Nagar Kirtan (Sikh Parade)
  Outside Stage:
  Speeches by representatives/dignitaries of different faiths and different institutions
  VIP will address the audience and unveil Centennial monument
  Official opening and ribbon cutting by the chief guest of the Sikh Heritage Museum

  September 23-January 8, 2012
  Celebration of Punjabi Art and Culture Exhibition Opening Reception September 23
  The Reach Gallery and Museum

  October 26
  Diwali Celebrations
  Community-wide

  November 15-16
  Ehsaas South Asian Film Festival-Sikh Documentaries
  Centre for Indo Canadian Studies, UFV

  December 17
  Official opening of the Sikh Heritage Museum
  National Historic Site Gur Sikh Temple, Abbotsford
  Closing ceremony of Centennial year by chief guest 3pm
  Khalsa Diwan Society, Abbotsford

The committee encourages you to give suggestions, ideas and support to the Centennial initiative. Please contact us at: info@canadiansikhheritage.ca