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Anti-Sikh sentiment in Canada (also known as Sikhophobia) is the manifestation of hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Canadian Sikhs as a religious and ethnic group. This form of racism has affected Sikhs since Canada's Sikh community was established in 1897.
Background
The 1914 Komagata Maru incident incident further highlighted institutional racism when 376 Indian passengers, mostly Sikhs, were denied entry into Canada and forced to return to India, where many faced persecution. Post September 11 attacks, Sikhs in Canada experienced increased xenophobia and hate crimes, often being mistaken for Muslims due to their turbans and beards.
Early 20th Century
1907: Disenfranchisement of Asian Immigrants
In 1907, British Columbia enacted legislation that disenfranchised Asian immigrants, including Sikhs, reflecting the widespread anti-Asian sentiment of the period. These laws were part of a broader strategy to limit the political, economic, and social integration of Asian communities within Canadian society. This was called the Asiatic Exclusion League (AEL) the aimed to prevent immigration of people of Asian origin.
After the Bellingham race riot on September 5, 1907, many Sikh mill workers took refuge in Vancouver, British Colombia. As South Asian and Sikh refugees arrived in Vancouver, AEL organizers pressed forward with a plan to march through the streets, waving signs and flags that called for “A White Canada.”
1914: Komagata Maru Incident
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The Komagata Maru incident of 1914 is a poignant example of racial discrimination and xenophobia in early 20th-century Canada. The Japanese steamship SS Komagata Maru, which departed from Hong Kong and arrived in Vancouver on May 23, 1914, was carrying 376 passengers, predominantly Sikh immigrants from the Punjab region of British India. Despite their lawful status as British subjects, the passengers were barred from disembarking due to Canada's restrictive immigration policies aimed at preventing non-European immigrants from entering the country.
The Canadian government’s refusal to allow the ship’s passengers to land was a manifestation of the broader racial prejudices of the time. After two months of being held in harsh conditions aboard the ship, the Komagata Maru was forced to return to India. Upon arrival in Calcutta, the passengers were met with hostility from British colonial authorities, resulting in violent reprisals, imprisonment, and the deaths of several individuals.
In 2016, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government formally apologized for the incident, acknowledging the grave injustices faced by the passengers and marking an official recognition of this dark chapter in Canadian history. The incident remains a stark reminder of the systemic racism faced by South Asian immigrants and has had a lasting impact on Indo-Canadian relations and the historical narrative of racial discrimination in Canada.
Labour Market Restrictions
Throughout the early 20th century, Sikhs, along with other Asian immigrants, faced significant obstacles in the labour market. They were often confined to low-paying, menial jobs and encountered hostility and discrimination from white labour unions. Exclusionary policies and societal prejudices restricted their employment opportunities, limiting them to sectors like agriculture, lumber mills, and railway construction, where they endured harsh working conditions and exploitation. This systemic discrimination not only hindered their economic prospects but also reinforced broader societal biases, perpetuating a cycle of marginalization and inequality for Asian communities in North America.
Propaganda and Public Sentiment
During the early 20th century, newspapers and political figures often depicted Sikhs and other Asian immigrants as threats to Canadian society, economy, and racial purity. This racist propaganda fuelled widespread public hostility towards Asian communities.
Mid 20th Century
During the mid-20th century, Sikhs in Canada faced pervasive racism and discrimination, reflecting the broader challenges of immigrant communities in a society that was often unwelcoming to visible minorities. Despite their contributions to the country, Sikhs were frequently marginalized, encountering significant barriers to employment, housing, and social acceptance.
Employment discrimination was particularly rampant, with many Sikh men being denied jobs or promotions because of their turbans and beards, which were seen as incompatible with mainstream Canadian norms. In public spaces, Sikhs often faced hostility, and in many cases, landlords refused to rent to Sikh families or charged them higher rents, exacerbating their economic struggles.
Late 20th Century
1980 - 1990
1985 Air India Flight 182 Aftermath
After the aftermath of Air India Flight 182, hostility towards Sikhs in Canada increased significantly, driven by a surge in suspicion and prejudice against the community. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Sikhs across the country experienced heightened discrimination and racism. Many faced harassment in public spaces. The media’s portrayal of Sikhs often unfairly linked the community with violence and extremism, which further deepened public mistrust. Despite the Sikh community's widespread condemnation of the attack, they faced a challenging period marked by fear, prejudice, and social marginalization in Canada.
1990 - 2000
1990 Herman Bittner Calendar Controversy
In Winnipeg and Calgary, authorities considered criminal charges against individuals who created and distributed an anti-Sikh calendar that portrayed a turbaned Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer alongside the derogatory question, "Is this Canadian, or does this make you Sikh?" The calendar, produced by Herman Bittner of Langdon, stirred significant controversy and concerns about inciting hatred. The calendar's distribution and the offensive portrayal prompted meetings between justice officials and Sikh representatives, who emphasized the need for legal action to address and curb such racist actions.
1999 Sikh Caretaker Murder
In 1999, five White supremacists in British Columbia were sentenced for the killing of 65-year-old Sikh caretaker Nirmal Singh Gill. Lee Nikkel, 18, and Robert Kluch, 26, received 15-year sentences plus 18 months already served, for initiating and carrying out the attack. Radoslaw Synderek, 24, Daniel Miloszewski, 22, and Nathan LeBlanc, 27, were each sentenced to 12 years. Judge William Stewart condemned the crime as repugnant and racially motivated, hoping the sentences would deter violent hate crimes. The Sikh community and friends of Gill viewed the sentencing as justice served.
21st Century
2000 - 2010
2010 - 2020
2012 Sikh Limousine Driver Court Case
In 2012, Gurmukh Singh a driver for Aaroport Limousine Services alleged they cut him off for refusing to trim or tie back his religiously-prescribed facial hair. This was settled in 2013, with agreement that Sikh drivers were no longer prohibited from maintaining untied beards under employment from Aaroport.
2015 Edmonton, Calgary Gurdwara Vandalism
The Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in South Edmonton was vandalized with racist graffiti, including the phrase "Leave Canada." The gurdwara's management is addressing the incident with grace, emphasizing education and community outreach as ways to combat ignorance. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around gurdwaras to the authorities.
2017 Jagmeet Singh Racially Abused
During a public event in Brampton, Ontario, a heckler hurled racist comments at Canadian Sikh politician Jagmeet Singh, accusing him of supporting Sharia law and being a Muslim. Despite her outburst, the heckler later claimed she was not racist. The incident sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted ongoing issues of racism and ignorance.
On October 2, 2019, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh was confronted by a man in Montreal, Quebec who told him to “Cut your turban off.” Singh put one hand on the man’s shoulder and responded: “I think Canadians look like all sorts of people. That’s the beauty of Canada.”
2019 Bill 21 Quebec
Bill 21 (Act respecting the laicity of the State), Quebec's secularism law enacted in June 2019, prohibits certain public sector employees, including teachers, police officers, and judges, from wearing religious symbols while on duty. This legislation has had a significant impact on religious minorities, particularly Sikhs, by restricting the wearing of religious articles such as turbans and kirpans in the workplace.
Many opposed argue that the law discriminates against these groups, compelling individuals to choose between their religious practices and their professions. The law has prompted legal challenges and ongoing debate regarding religious freedom and secularism in Quebec.
2020 - Present
2021 Brampton, Ontario School Vandalism
in December 2021, in Brampton, Ontario, the Brampton Khalsa Montessori School was targeted with hateful graffiti against Sikhs, defacing the front of a ground-floor business beneath the school with offensive messages.
2022 Ron Banerjee Comments
On June 29, 2022, in a video on the YouTube channel 'Beat of the North,' Ron Banerjee, director of the Canadian Hindu Advocacy, was recorded expressing hateful remarks, stating he supports the killings of Muslims and Sikhs in India because "they deserve to die," while discussing unfavourable opinions about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
2023 Kelowna, British Colombia Assault
On March 20 2023, a Sikh international student was swarmed and beaten by a group of people who ripped off his turban and dragged him across the sidewalk by his hair in Kelowna, British Colombia.
2024 Scarborough, Ontario Assault
On the evening of July 16, 2024, at approximately 9:55 PM, Rupinder Singh was attacked and had his dastaar (turban) stolen while returning home from the Scarborough Gurdwara Sahib. The assailant, who was wearing a bike helmet, snatched the turban and fled in a gold-white, older model 7-seater vehicle, possibly a Sienna, which was trailing behind; the incident was recorded by the perpetrators.
Organisations
Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy
It was announced during Sikh Heritage Month in 2024 by MP Kamal Khera of the Department of Canadian Heritage, that the Canadian Government will be putting forwards their first ever Anti-Racism Strategy and Canada’s first Action Plan on Hate.
World Sikh Organisation
The World Sikh Organization (WSO) was founded in 1984 in Canada in response to the anti-Sikh violence in India, particularly the events surrounding Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms. Established by Sikh leaders, it was created to protect and promote the interests of Sikhs globally.
Over the years, the WSO has played a significant role in advocating for Sikh rights, religious freedoms, and combating anti-Sikh hate in Canada. Its efforts have contributed to the recognition and accommodation of Sikh practices in various public spheres and have fostered greater awareness and understanding of Sikh identity within Canadian society.
In the 1990's, WSO was involved in the case of Baltej Singh Dhillon in his fight to wear a turban as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
In 2006, WSO acted as legal interveners in the case of Multani v Commission scolaire Marguerite‑Bourgeoys to allow Sikh students to wear Kirpans in public schools. The Supreme Court of Canada made a decision that was unanimous and held that there was no evidence that the kirpan posed a safety risk.
See Also
References
- Singh, Simranjeet (11 June 2012). "Islamophobia, Sikhophobia and Media Profiling". Huffington Post.
- "Sikhophobia". Harvard University.
- "The 1907 Bellingham Riots: News Coverage 1907-2007". Seattle Civil Rights and Labor History Project. University of Washington. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
- Centre, BC Labour Heritage (23 May 2018). "The Asiatic Exclusion League Riot, 1907". BC Labour Heritage Centre.
- Vancouver Courier (August 31, 2007). "Two-day conference examines city's 1907 race riot". canada.com. Archived from the original on 2012-11-04.
- "Komagata Maru incident (1914)". Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- "Komagata Maru". www.bhagatsinghthind.com. Archived from the original on August 20, 2018. Retrieved November 21, 2014.
- Chang, Kornel (2012). Pacific Connections. University of California Press. p. 147. ISBN 9780520271692.
- "Gurpreet Singh: Komagata Maru apology campaigners gearing up to thank Trudeau at the annual festival in Surrey". August 2019.
- "PM to offer full apology for Komagata Maru incident". April 11, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
- "City of New Westminster Apology to the Community, Families and Descendants of the Komagata Maru" (PDF). City of New Westminster Archive Files. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
- Ward, W Peter (1978). White Canada Forever: Popular Attitudes and Public Policy Toward Orientals in British Columbia.
The exclusion of Orientals from labor unions and their relegation to menial, low-paying jobs was a consequence of widespread prejudice and discriminatory policies. These measures were intended to maintain racial purity and protect white workers from competition
- Singh, Harbhajan (1983). Canada's Sikhs: Autobiography of Harbhajan Singh.
Sikhs, like other South Asians, were systematically excluded from many areas of employment and were often forced into the most menial and dangerous jobs. They faced hostility from white workers and labor unions, who saw them as a threat to their economic security
- Hyde, David (7 March 2017). "Eerie parallels between 1907 Bellingham riots and anti-Sikh hate in 2017". KUOW.
- "Council of Sikh Affairs" (PDF). University of Toronto.
Over the last forty-one years, the Sikhs in Ontario have faced hardships in practicing their faith at their workplace. In 1975, a Sikh gentleman was refused employment because he was wearing a turban. The matter was referred to Ontario Human Rights Commission and the inquiry was headed by Professor Peter A. Cumming.
- Coyle, Jim (27 Jan 2018). "Sikh immigrant's story is as Canadian as chaat, dal and paneer". Toronto Star.
Sandhu recalls being told once, across a table, that with his turban and beard he looked like Iran's late Ayatollah Khomeini.
- Sandhu, Gian Singh (5 June 2018). "In the Air India Bombing Aftermath, I Wished I Kept My Turban". Vice.
- "Limits of Acceptance". CBC.
- "Charges Considered Over Racist Calendar". Edmonton Journal.
- "5 head-covering controversies in Canada". CBC.
Herman Bittner, an Alberta man who made a calendar to protest the decision, said: Am I really a racist, or am I standing up and trying to save something that you know can be lost forever?
- "B.C. skinheads sentenced in Sikh beating death". CBC. 16 November 1999.
- "Racist Killer Wants to Apologise to Victims". Calgary Herald. 7 October 1999.
- Ballingall, Alex (17 Jan 2013). "Sikh driver settles beard dispute with limo company". Toronto Star.
- "WSO Condemns Racist Vandalism of Edmonton Gurdwara". World Sikh Organisation. 9 January 2015.
- Mitrovica, Andrew (28 September 2017). "Canada's Jagmeet Singh: Battling racism with love". Al Jazeera.
- "Jagmeet Singh challenges man who urged him to 'cut off' his turban". CBC News. 2 October 2019.
Oh, I think Canadians look like all sorts of people, Singh replied. That's the beauty of Canada.
- Stephen, Maher (12 August 2019). "'A sadness you can't describe': The high price of Quebec's Bill 21". Macleans.
Kaur, a Sikh, wears a turban. Bill 21 means that she will not be able to teach in Quebec. The news came as a personal blow.
- Singh, Gurmukh (7 December 2021). "Racist Graffiti Left on Brampton School". Times of India.
- "WATCH: Extremist Hindu leader in Canada openly advocates killing Muslims, Sikhs". GeoTV. 29 June 2022.
- Steacy, Lisa (21 March 2021). "'Absolutely disgusting': B.C. councillor speaks out after Sikh international student swarmed, beaten". CTV Vancouver News.
- "Toronto & Peterborough Hate Attacks Highlight Growing Anti-Sikh Sentiment: WSO". World Sikh Organisation. 1 August 2024.
- "Media Release for Thursday, July 25, 2024". Peterborough Police. 25 July 2024.
- "Statement by Minister Khera on Sikh Heritage Month". Government of Canada. 1 April 2024.
- "About WSO". World Sikh Organization of Canada. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
The WSO is a non-profit international umbrella organization founded in 1984 as an international organization, with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora, as well as to promote and advocate the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status. The WSO of Canada was registered with the Government of Canada as a non-profit organization, under the name World Sikh Organization of Canada
- Tatla, Darshan Singh (April 1999). The Sikh Diaspora: The Search for Statehood (Global Diasporas). University of Washington Press. pp. 95–97. ISBN 978-0-295-97714-0.
- "NRI Sikh body starts leadership training programme for youth : Mail Today, News". India Today. 26 August 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
- "About WSO". World Sikh Organization of Canada. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
The WSO is a non-profit international umbrella organization founded in 1984 as an international organization, with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora, as well as to promote and advocate the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status. The WSO of Canada was registered with the Government of Canada as a non-profit organization, under the name World Sikh Organization of Canada
- "Surrey's Baltej Dhillon, first Mountie to wear a turban, speaks about acceptance". Surrey Now Leader. 28 September 2019.
- "Grant et al. v. Canada (Attorney General) et al., (1995) 184 N.R. 346 (FCA)". VLex.
Schroeder, Pidgeon & Co., Vancouver, British Columbia, for the intervenor, World Sikh Organization.
- "Supreme Court Judgments". Supreme Court of Canada. 2 March 2006.
Palbinder K. Shergill, for the intervener the World Sikh Organization of Canada.