PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday highlighted investments included in Budget 2024 to preserve Sikh Canadian heritage.
He noted: “One of Canada’s most vibrant communities is the Sikh Canadian community. Sikh Canadians have been an important part of our history for generations. In the early twentieth century, the first Sikhs arrived in British Columbia from Punjab.
“From the rail roads to defence, science, art, business, and politics – Sikh Canadians have made remarkable contributions to Canada and Canada’s prosperity ever since. We must preserve this heritage so that future generations of Sikh Canadians – and all Canadians – know the contributions of the community throughout our history.”
The government is:
* Helping create the Gallery of Global Sikh Art and Culture in the Royal Ontario Museum. With a $6 million investment, it will be working closely with the Sikh Arts and Culture Foundation and the Royal Ontario Museum to build a space dedicated to Sikh arts, culture, and heritage.
* Supporting the completion of a short film on Canadian and Indian soldiers in the First and Second World Wars. With a $1.8 million investment, it will be supporting the Indus Media Foundation in Surrey, British Columbia, to complete this short film. By preserving this heritage and encouraging others to learn more, it is keeping Sikh Canadian stories alive for the next generation.
Trudeau said that Sikh Canadians have helped make Canada the country we know and love. Like so many diverse communities across the country, they work every day to make Canada even better.
He added: “The story of the Sikh community in Canada is, in fact, the story of Canada. The investments in Budget 2024 will help Sikh Canadians share their own stories, create their own spaces, and preserve their own heritage – because diversity is our greatest strength. Let’s keep working together to make Canada more inclusive, more vibrant, and more welcoming for everyone.”
Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, said: “Canada is proud to be home to one of the largest Sikh diasporas in the world. The investments we are making are a recognition that Sikh Canadians have significantly contributed to making our country stronger, more prosperous, and more diverse. The new Gallery of Global Sikh Art and Culture at the Royal Ontario Museum will be a welcome addition to the community.”
Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, said: “Sikh history is Canadian history. It is a history filled with immense resilience, compassion, determination, and strength. The investments in Budget 2024 will ensure that the story of Sikhs in Canada, and the many incredible contributions that Sikhs have made to our country, are known now and for generations to come.”
Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, said: “Through museums, we reflect collectively on Canadian, Indigenous, and diverse stories. Our government’s support of the Sikh Arts and Culture Foundation and the Royal Ontario Museum in creating a gallery dedicated to Sikh arts, culture, and heritage is an important step forward. We know our country’s rich cultural fabric is stronger when we support authentic art, storytelling, and lived experiences. This space will celebrate Canada’s Sikh community, their history, and their contributions to our society – building bridges across communities.”
Josh Basseches, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Ontario Museum, said: “The Royal Ontario Museum is tremendously grateful for the $6 million commitment to the Gallery of Global Sikh Art and Culture in the 2024 federal budget. Developed with the support of the Sikh Arts and Culture Foundation of Canada, and the broader Sikh community, this future gallery will be an important expansion of the Museum’s suite of galleries devoted to South Asia, which was the first of its kind in Canada.”
