The Province of British Columbia is planning to build the first-ever museum or cultural centre dedicated to Canadians of South Asian heritages living in B.C..
A community-led engagement process has shaped the vision for the museum – focusing on inclusion, cultural safety, anti-discrimination, and collaborative identity work.
The final decision has not been made yet which will influence access, identity representation, and long-term cultural infrastructure across BC, affecting how future generations experience and learn from South Asian Canadian heritage.
Major Stake Holders:
Vancouver – At Vancouver’s city council meetings, community leaders voiced strong support for Vancouver as a symbolic and historically significant location, honoring early immigrant experiences and the cultural hub near Fraser & 49th St. in Vancouver.
Surrey – In December 2024, Surrey City Council unanimously adopted a motion, led by Mayor Brenda Locke, calling for the museum to be located in Surrey. The city of Surrey is now circulating a petition to press its case to the provincial government.
What Do you Think?
Should the museum be in Surrey, with its demographic majority and growing civic power? Or should it be in Vancouver, with symbolic roots in the very first wave of South Asian settlers and the original Indian Market?
Join The Conversation on Social Media
Please click here to join the discussion on social media. You are also welcome to join the Facebook Group for the South Asian Cultural Centre Discussion.
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