Sikh Heritage BC and Minister Sunner host first ever Sikh Heritage Month event at BC Legislative Assembly
Indo-Canadian Voice Sikh Heritage BC and Minister Sunner host first ever Sikh Heritage Month event at BC Legislative Assembly posted by: Rattan MallSIKH Heritage BC, alongside Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Jessie Sunner (MLA for Surrey–Newton), hosted the first-ever Sikh Heritage Month celebration in the Hall of Honour at B.C.’s Legislative Assembly in Victoria on April 16. The gathering was rooted in a clear intention: to express gratitude for and to honour the enduring contributions, […] The post Sikh Heritage BC and Minister Sunner host first ever Sikh Heritage Month event at BC Legislative Assembly first appeared on Indo-Canadian Voice.Indo-Canadian Voice
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SIKH Heritage BC, alongside Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Jessie Sunner (MLA for Surrey–Newton), hosted the first-ever Sikh Heritage Month celebration in the Hall of Honour at B.C.’s Legislative Assembly in Victoria on April 16.
The gathering was rooted in a clear intention: to express gratitude for and to honour the enduring contributions, values, and legacy of the Sikh community across the province.
Community leaders from across B.C., each with deep connections to the Sikh community, were invited to take part in this historic occasion. Remarks were delivered by Sikh Heritage BC directors Jasleen Kaur Sidhu and Mohnaam Kaur Shergill, Sunner, Speaker Raj Chouhan and Premier David Eby, each reflecting on the significance of Sikh Heritage Month and the importance of recognizing the community’s impact.
A meaningful highlight of the event was the sharing of a version of langar, presented by Minister Ravi Parmar in partnership with the Topaz Gurdwara. As a cornerstone of Sikh tradition, langar symbolizes equality, humility, and service of bringing people together to share a meal prepared in a community kitchen, open to all regardless of faith, gender, caste, or economic status. Its presence in the Hall of Honour served as a powerful expression of inclusion and collective care.
Eby spoke to the profound role Sikh communities have played in shaping B.C.’s social, economic, political, and cultural landscape, grounding his remarks in values that closely mirror the teachings of Sikhi: service, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Sunner delivered heartfelt remarks, reflecting on the honour of welcoming the Sikh community into the Legislature and the significance of seeing and smelling langar fill the halls of the Assembly. She expressed profound gratitude for the generations who came before her, those who carried forward the teachings of Sikhi through action, sacrifice, and community-building. Sunner emphasized that principles such as daya (compassion), seva, and sarbat da bhala (the well-being of all) are not abstract ideals, but living commitments that continue to guide her in public service. Minister remarked “celebrating Sikh Heritage Month at the Legislature is a true moment of pride and reflection for our community.” She reflected on how these teachings shape her responsibility as an elected official, grounding her work in empathy, accountability, and a dedication to uplifting all communities she is honoured to serve.
Together, the event stood as a tribute, grounded in gratitude and respect to the Sikh community’s legacy, while reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusivity, service, and community in B.C.
Sikh Heritage BC began as a student-led volunteer initiative at Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia, becoming an official non-profit in 2018. What started as five events has grown into a province-wide movement showcasing the lasting contributions of Sikh Canadians. Now in its ninth year, the organization continues to expand its impact, including offering scholarships that support and uplift future generations. This year’s theme, “Daya” (compassion), reflects a core pillar of Sikhism, calling not only for empathy, but for meaningful action to support others.
Additionally, the Province of British Columbia has issued an official proclamation recognizing Sikh Heritage Month, affirming that “the government of British Columbia recognizes the important contributions that Sikhs have made and continue to make to the province’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric.” The proclamation further emphasizes that Sikh Heritage Month serves as a vital opportunity to celebrate the aspirations of Sikh communities while educating future generations about this rich and diverse heritage.
The post Sikh Heritage BC and Minister Sunner host first ever Sikh Heritage Month event at BC Legislative Assembly first appeared on Indo-Canadian Voice.Indo-Canadian Voice
