Bill 52 2013 – An Act to proclaim the month of April as Sikh Heritage Month
Diversity is the key to the Canadian values, and April is an important month for the Sikh community. The month of April is Sikh Heritage Month, Proclaimed by Parliament on April 30, 2019, this month recognizes and highlights the important contribution that Sikh communities have made and continue to make Canada’s social, economic, political, and cultural heritage. The first of its kind in the world, Sikh Heritage Month is a celebration of arts, culture and heritage. The bill was unanimously passed by the Senate, and received royal assent from the Governor General.
By designating April as Sikh Heritage Month, Parliament chose to not only highlight but celebrate significant contributions Sikh communities have made and continue to make to Canada’s social, economic, political, and cultural heritage. Sikhs travelled from Northern India (the Punjab region) to Canada at the end of the 19th century. The Sikh soldiers were part of the Hong Kong army regiments travelling through Canada in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The fact that Sikh Heritage Month will be observed in April holds cultural and religious significance. April is an important month for Sikhs around the world as they gather to celebrate Vaisakhi, which marks the birth of the Khalsa (baptized Sikhs) by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, in 1699. The Khalsa order promotes justice and equality for the creation of a more equal and just society, and commits to wearing the five articles of faith, and practices daily meditation.
Sikh Heritage Month allows Sikh communities to improve Sikh awareness and organize Vaisakhi celebration. Vaisakhi is usually celebrated on April 13 of every year and begins with a visit to the Gurdwara, Sikh’s place of worship. After religious services wrap up, a day of celebration takes place. Sikh individuals usually wear colorful clothing or traditional attire and take part in parades, and other festivities. On Vaisakhi, Sikh communities also offer community members free food per A Tradition Called Langar, where all community members, no matter how wealthy or poor, come together to share a meal. Canada is home to more than half a million Sikh-Canadians and therefore represents one of the largest Sikh populations in the world (out of original homeland). Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on the role that Sikh communities have played, and continue to play, in building a stronger Canada.
Brothers, Sisters & Friends,
My intention is to celebrate the Sikh Heritage Month and to help members understand how immigrants have contributed to Canada. Our work floor offers diversity and I want to ensure that we all feel included. This inclusion is only possible when we understand the cultural backgrounds and respect the values of diversity in the work place. We have many Sikh members working in this local holding various positions at all levels on the work floors. Let’s celebrate together the concept of diversity, equality and the gains of Sikh immigrants in whole.
In Solidarity,
Anju Parmar
President