ON Saturday, May 9, BC NDP MLAs joined hundreds of community members alongside the Guru Nanak Sikh Society of Port Alberni for the 2nd Annual Port Alberni Khalsa Day Celebration.
The Nagar Kirtan procession began at 11 a.m. at the Gurdwara Nanak Sikh Society, located at 4144 8th Ave. The celebration featured 10 stalls set up across the temple grounds, with volunteers travelling from Nanaimo and Victoria, alongside families from the local Hindu temple, offering free food, refreshments, and even a turban-tying station for attendees.
Among those in attendance were MLA Josie Osborne of Mid Island-Pacific Rim, MLA Sheila Malcomson of Nanaimo-Gabriola and MLA George Anderson of Nanaimo-Lantzville.
A powerful and inspiring Gatka demonstration was performed by local Sikh youth from Vancouver Island who train in Victoria at the Gurdwara Singh Sabha of Victoria under the guidance of Puneet Singh. The students and instructors generously shared the history and significance of Gatka with MLAs Josie Osborne, Sheila Malcomson, and George Anderson. Young Sikh participant Anmol Kaur also demonstrated several sword techniques for MLA George Anderson, highlighting the skill, discipline, and cultural importance of the martial art.
The celebration also served as a reminder of the deep roots of the Sikh community in the Alberni Valley. At one time, the region was one of the major centres of the Sikh diaspora along the coast of British Columbia and, by 1962, was home to two Gurdwaras. These early pioneers, during the first 75 years of Sikh immigration, helped lay the foundation for future generations to thrive and prosper. The Alberni Valley became known as a place where Punjabis from many faiths lived and worked together in harmony, building a strong sense of community that continues to this day.
Vancouver Island shares a deep and enduring history with Sikh immigrants dating back to the early 1900s, when many Sikh families settled in communities such as Victoria and found work in the lumber, forestry, and railway industries. For generations, Gurdwaras have served not only as places of worship, but also as centres of community, support, and cultural connection. More than a century later, the Sikh community on Vancouver Island continues to grow and thrive, making lasting contributions to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the region.
