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Historical discrimination against people of South Asian Canadian descent

On July 5, 2022, City Council took a step forward in recognizing South Asian Canadian racism and discrimination by approving the interim report on historical discrimination.

As of Spring 2025, we have completed broader community engagement and are analyzing the data to summarize and share insights from communities.

We are also conducting historical research, with a summary to be included in a future report to Council. Our goal is to use community feedback and research findings to develop a refined list of recommendations for Council to address historic and ongoing South Asian Canadian racism and discrimination.

What's happeningCanadians of South Asian Heritages Museum proposal

We are actively advocating to become the future home of the Province of BC’s Canadians of South Asian Heritages Museum . With our central location and vibrant cultural infrastructure, Vancouver is an ideal place to share the rich stories of Canadians of South Asian heritages.

The city also holds deep historical significance: it was one of the first places South Asian Canadians settled over 120 years ago, was home to North America’s first community-owned Gurdwara, and features the historic Punjabi Market, which continues to serve as a vibrant community hub.

Vancouver is ready to support next steps if selected.

Addressing South Asian Canadian racism in Vancouver

Watch in your language:

Watch and gain insights on an overview of the Historical Discrimination against People of South Asian Canadian Descent interim report.

This video casts a light on the enduring effects of racism on South Asian Canadian communities and makes the complex issues of racism and the City's redress work more accessible.

Work to date
Phase 1
- July 2019: Vancouver City Council put forward a motion to address historic discrimination against South Asian Canadian communities in Vancouver.
- August 2021: We hired a South Asian redress planner who began work with community partners and our departments to advance efforts to address past injustices with South Asian communities.
- January 2022: We brought together a community advisory group of key stakeholders from South Asian Canadian communities to discuss key points related to the motion.
  - The key points included feedback on:
    
    An official City apology
    
    Potential actions to address past wrongs and ongoing racism
  - The group was made up of seniors, academics, historians, researchers, students, artists, professionals, business and community leaders, and more.
  - Review the Phase 1 Engagement Summary (832 KB)
    
    Review the Phase 1 Engagement Summary (Simplified format) (144 KB)
- July 2022: Council passed the Historical Discrimination against People of South Asian Canadian Descent interim report (1.3 MB).
- May 2023: Council passed the Commemorating the Komagata Maru Incident: Secondary naming of a street report (1.6 MB).
- February 9, 2024: Canada Place was given a secondary honorary name of Komagata Maru Place to raise awareness about the historic tragedy.

Next steps

Phase 2

Engaging broader community (completed)
We carried out broad community engagement with diverse South Asian communities through our survey, mapping activity, open community sessions, and smaller focus groups.
We are here
Phase 3

Analyzing engagement data and expanding historical research

We will analyze what communities shared with us through our survey, map, and focus groups, and publish an engagement summary. We will continue researching historical and on-going discrimination, understanding its impacts, and sharing South Asian Canadian history with communities.
Phase 4

Report to Council

We will present findings on historical research, impacts of discrimination, and recommended actions for Council to consider.
Phase 5

Issuing an official apology

We learned in our initial engagement that a meaningful apology requires actionable steps, dedicated funding, and long-term commitment.

Guru Nanak Jahaz (Komagata Maru) Place

Learn about Guru Nanak Jahaz Place, a secondary name for Canada Place and our commitment to address historic South Asian discrimination.

Get updates

Contact us

Email: arts.culture@vancouver.ca