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Home Exhibits Indo-Canadian History, Culture and Religion Immigration - Barriers & Discrimination

Immigration - Barriers & Discrimination

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Sikhs were often referred to as "Hindoos" as is evident by the captioning of this photo.
"It was no swipe," comments Ina Fooks of Clayburn, "we didn't know there were so
many religions.

Sikh pioneers found themselves being not only tolerated but welcomed by most of the community.  There was only a small number of people who were intolerant of Indian immigrants in Abbotsford.  However these pioneers had to overcome all initial hurdles of language barriers, lack of proper housing and health care, and some hostility towards them.  Strong anti-Asian feeling led to the Canadian government issuing an order-in-council on January 8, 1908 that was designed to put a stop to all immigration from India.  Indian immigrants who sought entry into Canada were required to come by continuous passage from their country of origin, which was impossible at that time.

They were often confronted with overt discrimination and segregation because of their physical differences and were considered foreign by culture and race.  Many restaurants and theatres refused them admission

There was also an attempt in 1908 to deport all Indians to British Honduras to eliminate all "Hindoos" and "keep Canada white."  One justification used was that the culture and climate of Canada made the country unsuitable for Indian immigrants.  Although Indian men were British subjects (India was under British rule), they weren't recognized as such and were denied all due rights in Canada.  Under the leadership of educated Indians such as Professor Teja Singh, the pioneers took deputation to various levels of government to fight for equal rights.

Their determination and continued efforts paid off in 1919, when immigration restrictions on bringing wives and children under 18 from India were lifted.

Although Indians were British subjects, they were not recognized as such under the Canadian law, and were denied some rights in Canada until 1947. Discrimination against Indian immigrants was blatant in Canada's immigration policy, throughout the early 1900's. The deportation of many Indians in 1906, the immigration requirement of direct travel from the original country, and the prohibition against bringing in family members are examples of the strict immigration laws against Indians until they were granted citizenship rights in 1947.