DELTA – New Democrat MLA Ravi Kahlon says new provincial funding will support a project celebrating the contributions of Punjabi Canadians to British Columbia.

The Punjabi Legacy Project will showcase the contributions of Punjabi Canadians to B.C.’s communities and economies with a travelling display on South Asian Canadian history, new recognition and marking of places of historic importance to B.C.’s South Asian community, and a new book on South Asian Canadian history.

“In order to work for a province that is more just and welcoming in the future, we must understand B.C.’s diverse and rich past, which has benefited from endless contributions of Punjabi-Canadians to our society,” said Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North. “I am so proud to see the contributions Punjabi Canadians have made to our communities, economies, and histories recognized by our New Democrat government in such a meaningful way.”

The Punjabi Legacy Project will also explore the strength of Punjabi Canadian communities facing racism and discrimination through the years, and will add to educational and historical records to include more stories about Punjabi Canadians.

Part of the inspiration for the project came from community meetings on racism led by Kahlon in the summer of 2019, which saw many call for more educational resources on the histories and contributions of racialized and Indigenous communities in B.C.

The Province is providing $1.14 million to the Abbotsford Community Foundation to create and deliver the project in collaboration with the South Asian Studies Institute of the University of the Fraser Valley and other community partners.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020TAC0047-001659