THE Province last week proclaimed April as “Dalit History Month.”

The proclamation signed by Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin and Attorney General Mike Farnworth reads:

“Whereas British Columbia is a culturally diverse province comprising many peoples and communities, and

“whereas Indigenous people, Black people and people of colour in British Columbia continue to experience systemic racism, injustices, discrimination and hate, and the government of British Columbia is committed to addressing all forms of racism and discrimination, and

“whereas April is a significant month for Dalit communities, and this special month includes birth and death anniversaries of important Dalit leaders and social reformers in the movement against systemic discrimination based on caste, such as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, Mangu Ram Mugowalia and Sant Ram Udasi, and

“whereas the government of British Columbia acknowledges the strength and resiliency of the Dalit community in overcoming hardships and advocating for social justice and equality for all, and

“whereas Dalit History Month is an opportunity to honour, celebrate and reflect on the history, experiences and accomplishments of the Dalit community;

“now know ye that we do by these presents proclaim and declare that April 2024 shall be known as

““Dalit History Month”

“in the Province of British Columbia.”