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Introduction to the Timeline
Dynamited Hindus Home

Dynamited Hindus Home

Date:
1914
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
After the Komagata Maru's departure, local Indians tried to uncover presumed Imperial spies. 
Document:
Newsclipping - Dynamited Hindus' home
Sikhs to Receive Aid in Toronto

Sikhs to Receive Aid in Toronto

Date:
1912
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
An article that highlights the problems with the newly passed Continuous Journey regulation 
Document:
Newsclippings - Sikhs to receive aid from Toronto; Toronto ministers discuss Hindu question
Sikh Lancers and Infantry Regiment

Sikh Lancers and Infantry Regiment

Date:
1897
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Sikh Lancers and Infantry Regiment visit Vancouver after celebrating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubillee. 
Census Data of Sikhs

Census Data of Sikhs

Date:
1904
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
The arrival of the first wave of Sikh immigrants. The census lists a population of 258.
Changing Population Patterns

Changing Population Patterns

Date:
1905
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Over the next 3 years, more than 5000 Indians come to Canada
The Beginnings of Vancouver's Gurdwara

The Beginnings of Vancouver's Gurdwara

Date:
1906
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
A resolution is adopted on July 22 to establish the Khalsa Diwan Society
Losing the Right to Vote

Losing the Right to Vote

Date:
1907
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
The Province of British Columbia disenfranchises all Indian immigrants not born of Anglo-Saxon parents.
The First Sikh Temple in Vancouver

The First Sikh Temple in Vancouver

Date:
1907
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
The foundation stone is laid for Vancouver's Sikh Temple at 1866 West 2nd Avenue Vancouver
Chinatown and Japantown Race Riots

Chinatown and Japantown Race Riots

Date:
1907
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Race Riots take place across Vancouver targeting all Asian immigrants and their neighbourhoods.
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubillee

Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubillee

Date:
1897
Region:
London
Description:
Queen Victoria celebrates her 60th anniversary with a celebration bringing people across the colonies to London.
Nagar Kirtan

Nagar Kirtan

Date:
1908
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
The first Sikh Nagar Kirtan takes place to celebrate the opening of the 2nd Avenue Gurdwara on January 19
The Continuous Passage Regulation

The Continuous Passage Regulation

Date:
1908
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
An Order-in-Council enacts the "continuous journey" clause on January 8 and requires the possession of $200.
British Columbia or British Honduras?

British Columbia or British Honduras?

Date:
1908
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
A plan is formulated to relocate Vancouver's Indians to British Honduras (present day Belize).
British Honduras Proposal

British Honduras Proposal

Date:
1909
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
The 2nd Avenue Gurdwara congregation rejects the British Honduras relocation plan on February 13
Guru Nanak Mining and Trust Company

Guru Nanak Mining and Trust Company

Date:
1909
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Establishment of one of the first Indian businesses in Canada, the Guru Nanak Mining & Trust Company
Document:
Guru Nanak Mining & Trust Company certificate
Census: A Population in Flux

Census: A Population in Flux

Date:
1911
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
The census lists 2342 Indians in Canada, less than half of 1908. Only three women are listed.
Gurdwaras Grow in British Columbia

Gurdwaras Grow in British Columbia

Date:
1912
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Gurdwaras are built in Victoria, Fraser Mills & Abbotsford. Only Abbotsford's still exists. 
Document:
[Group photo in front of Old Gurdwara, Victoria, with names inscribed]
The First Born Sikh

The First Born Sikh

Date:
1912-08
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
On August 28th, Hardial Singh Atwal becomes the first Sikh born in Canada.
The Komagata Maru Arrives

The Komagata Maru Arrives

Date:
1914-05
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
The Komagata Maru arrives in Burrard Inlet
The Komagata Maru Leaves

The Komagata Maru Leaves

Date:
1914-07
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
The Komagata Maru is escorted out of Vancouver Harbour on July 23
Bhai Mewa Singh Kills William Hopkinson

Bhai Mewa Singh Kills William Hopkinson

Date:
1914-10
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Bhai Mewa Singh shoots William Hopkinson at the Court House (present day Vancouver Art Gallery) October 21
Bhai Mewa Singh is Hanged

Bhai Mewa Singh is Hanged

Date:
1915-01
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Bhai Mewa Singh is hanged in New Westminster on January 11. His picture still adorns many Vancouver Gurdwaras.
Indian Population Declines

Indian Population Declines

Date:
1918
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
Census reports show the Indian population declines to 700 people.
World War One Begins

World War One Begins

Date:
1914-09
Region:
London
Description:
World War One begins with many Indians from India and Canada fighting for the British.
Jawaharlal Nehru Visits Vancouver

Jawaharlal Nehru Visits Vancouver

Date:
1949-11
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
India's First Prime Minister visits Vancouver and speaks at the 2nd Avenue Gurdwara.
Document:
[Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, speaks at Khalsa Diwan Society, Vancouver]
A Sikh Labourer (2119 West 42nd Avenue)

A Sikh Labourer (2119 West 42nd Avenue)

Date:
1913
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Pictures like these help illustrate the working life of early pioneer Sikhs
Document:
[Jack Davidson and a labourer in the backyard of 2119 West 42nd Avenue]
ENTRANCE TO THE KHALSA DIWAN SOCIETY SIKH TEMPLE

ENTRANCE TO THE KHALSA DIWAN SOCIETY SIKH TEMPLE

Date:
1945
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
The 2nd Avenue Sikh Gurdwara was the centre of the early community's political, cultural and religious life.
Document:
[Entrance to the Khalsa Diwan Society] Sikh Temple
Sikh Gurdwara at Night

Sikh Gurdwara at Night

Date:
1943-12
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
This rare picture shows the 2nd Avenue Gurdwara decorated with ornamental lights
Document:
[Exterior of Sikh Temple at night - 1866 West 2nd Avenue]
INTERIOR OF SIKH TEMPLE AT 1866 WEST 2ND AVENUE

INTERIOR OF SIKH TEMPLE AT 1866 WEST 2ND AVENUE

Date:
1946
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
A rare look inside the Second Avenue Gurdwara
Document:
[Interior of Sikh Temple at 1866 West 2nd Avenue]
KOMAGATA MARU PASSENGER MANIFEST

KOMAGATA MARU PASSENGER MANIFEST

Date:
1914
Region:
Hong Kong
Description:
A copy of the original Komagata Maru Manifest. See our "Passenger List" for more information.
Document:
[Komagata Maru Passenger] Manifest
NAGINDER SINGH GILL SPEAKS AT MEETING IN SIKH TEMPLE OFFICE - 1866 WEST 2ND AVENUE

NAGINDER SINGH GILL SPEAKS AT MEETING IN SIKH TEMPLE OFFICE - 1866 WEST 2ND AVENUE

Date:
1946
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Re-gaining the right to vote (taken away in 1907) was an important goal for the community.
Document:
[Naginder Singh Gill speaks at meeting in Sikh Temple office - 1866 West 2nd Avenue]
NORTHERN VIEW OF THE CLEARING OF THE SECOND SHAUGHNESSY HEIGHTS FOR SUBDIVISION

NORTHERN VIEW OF THE CLEARING OF THE SECOND SHAUGHNESSY HEIGHTS FOR SUBDIVISION

Date:
1912
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
An archival photograph that demonstrates the working conditions for early pioneers in Vancouver.
Document:
[Northern view of the clearing of the Second Shaughnessy Heights for subdivision]
SIDE VIEW OF KOMAGATA MARU

SIDE VIEW OF KOMAGATA MARU

Date:
1914
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
For more archival pictures of the Komagata Maru, please see our "Images" Section
Document:
[Side view of 'Komagata Maru']
SIKH FAMILY STANDING AROUND A STOVE

SIKH FAMILY STANDING AROUND A STOVE

Date:
1943
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
A look at the everyday activity of the Sikh Gurdwara on 2nd Avenue.
Document:
[Sikh family standing around a stove]
Early Indian Workers

Early Indian Workers

Date:
1905
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
 A Group of Indian Workers on Hastings Street in Vancouver
Document:
[The first group of Hindus in Vancouver camped in front of Stark's Glasgow House on Hastings Street]
Inside the Second Avenue Gurdwara

Inside the Second Avenue Gurdwara

Date:
1946
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
A rare picture inside the 2nd Avenue Gurdwara built in 1908.
Document:
[The shrine in the Sikh Temple at 1866 West 2nd Avenue]
Pioneers Immigrants on Granville Street

Pioneers Immigrants on Granville Street

Date:
1908
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
An iconic image of early Sikh Pioneers in Vancouver
Document:
[View of the 400 block Granville Street from West Hastings Street]
Women in the Community

Women in the Community

Date:
1945
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Although restrictions against women were gradually lifted, their numbers remain low. 
Document:
[Women and children inside the Khalsa Diwan Society] Sikh Temple
The Aryan Newspaper

The Aryan Newspaper

Date:
1911
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
A newspaper advocating for Indian Independance from Britain published in North America.
Document:
The Aryan
The Komagata Maru Leaves Hong Kong

The Komagata Maru Leaves Hong Kong

Date:
1914-04
Region:
Hong Kong
Description:
The Komagata Maru departs from Hong Kong on April 4 with 329 passengers under charterer Bhai Gurdit Singh.
Document:
Letter from Wilkinson & Grist to Gurdit Singh re travel restrictions for Indians in Hong Kong
R. L. REID OF BOWSER, REID & WALLBRIDGE TO J. EDWARD BIRD RE KOMAGATA MARU

R. L. REID OF BOWSER, REID & WALLBRIDGE TO J. EDWARD BIRD RE KOMAGATA MARU

Date:
1914
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
A letter between the Immigration Department lawyer Reid and Bird, lawyer for the passengers.
Document:
R. L. Reid of Bowser, Reid & Wallbridge to J. Edward Bird re Komagata Maru
Precursor to the Komagata Maru

Precursor to the Komagata Maru

Date:
1913
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Intergovernmental letter in the aftermath of the Panama Maru.
Document:
[Letter from H. H. Stevens to Malcolm Reid]
The Prime Minister's Response

The Prime Minister's Response

Date:
1914
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
Canada's Prime Minister gives his opinion on the Komagata Maru situation.
Document:
[Telegram from Borden to Stevens] See p. 572
The Canadian Navy's First Engagement

The Canadian Navy's First Engagement

Date:
1914
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
The Canadian Government authorizes the Navy's Rainbow to escort the Komagata Maru out of Burrard Inlet.
Document:
[W. D. Scott to Malcolm R. J. Reid re Rainbow securing landing on Komagata Maru] See p. 536
Popular Opinions on Immigration

Popular Opinions on Immigration

Date:
1922
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
An unsigned letter that represents the sentiments of some Canadians towards Indian immigration.
Document:
Arguments re immigration, unsigned. Page 1
The Panama Maru

The Panama Maru

Date:
1913
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
The Panama Maru's passengers are allowed to land leading to tightening Continuous Passage restrictions.
Document:
Copy of letter from Malcolm Reid to W. D. Scott re arrival of the 'Panama Maru' at Victoria, and necessity for appointment of an Assistant Hindu Interpreter. Page 1
Market Life

Market Life

Date:
1911
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
A picture showing two Sikh immigrants out on a Friday afternoon in Vancouver
Document:
Market Life, Friday
75th Anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident

75th Anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident

Date:
1989
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
The film Voyage of Shattered Dreams is produced for the 75th Anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident.
Document:
The Komagata Maru: Voyage of Shattered Dreams
Federal Voting Rights Secured

Federal Voting Rights Secured

Date:
1947
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
The South Asian population in Canada is granted the federal franchise.
Provincial Voting Rights Re-instated

Provincial Voting Rights Re-instated

Date:
1947
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
Provincial franchise re-instated for the South Asian population.
Apology Delivered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Apology Delivered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Date:
2008-08
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
On August 3 Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivers an apology for the Komagata Maru Incident in Surrey, B.C.
Document:
Transcript of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Official Apology for the 1914 Komagata Maru Incident
Wives and Children Allowed

Wives and Children Allowed

Date:
1919
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
Restrictions preventing the immigration of wives and children of Indian immigrants are lifted.
Canada Adopts Multiculturalism Policy

Canada Adopts Multiculturalism Policy

Date:
1971
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
Canada adopts an official multiculturalism policy under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Changes in Immigration Policy

Changes in Immigration Policy

Date:
1967
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
Immigration policy shifts towards a points-based system.
Memorial Plaque to Komagata Maru Unveiled

Memorial Plaque to Komagata Maru Unveiled

Date:
1989
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
A memorial plaque to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the incident is unveiled in Portal Park.
Canada Post Recognizes Sikhs in Canada

Canada Post Recognizes Sikhs in Canada

Date:
1999
Region:
Ottawa
Description:
Canadian Sikhs are honoured with a stamp commemorating the 300th anniversary of Baisakhi.
Provincial Government Apologizes

Provincial Government Apologizes

Date:
2008-05-23
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
The provincial government delivers an apology for the Komagata Maru incident in the B.C. Legislature on May 23.
India Appoints First High Commissioner to Canada

India Appoints First High Commissioner to Canada

Date:
1947
Region:
Dehli
Description:
Hardit Singh Malik is appointed India's first High Commissioner to Canada.
100th Anniversary of Indo-Canadians in British Columbia

100th Anniversary of Indo-Canadians in British Columbia

Date:
1997-10
Region:
Vancouver
Description:
B.C. government recognizes 100th anniversary of the arrival of Indo-Canadians and 50 years of enfranchisement.
Document:
Canadian Sikhs Committee for Centennial Celebrations. Page 6
Independent India

Independent India

Date:
1947-08-15
Region:
Dehli
Description:
India attains independence on August 15th.
Document:
[Group in front of New Westminster Temple celebrating Indian independence]
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