Anonymous

The Role of Networks in Establishing Community

Image 6.1 Toronto Skyline. John Vetterli. Wikicommons © August 2008.

The first Indians to arrive in Canada settled in Vancouver, British Columbia in the early 1900s. Similar to the original workers of the Indian-Kenyan community, these migrants where Sikh men who came to find work. In the decades that passed, migrants from India and East Africa joined together to form communities in large urban centres like Toronto. The Indian-Kenyan community has since spread across Canada.

Image 6.2 George Socka. (June 11, 2012) Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple in Toronto. Wikimedia Commons
Image 6.3 Ismaili Centre prayer hall in Toronto. (2014) Photo credit Scott Norsworthy. Image.

As a diasporic community in Canada, Indian-Kenyans had to reaffirm their identity once again. As in Britain, Indian-Kenyans joined other Indian communities in Canada, often joining communities with similar religious beliefs.

Consider:

How is Canada’s national identity shaped by the Multiculturalism Act?

The Act is largely ideological, but does it provide the necessary tangible outcomes and opportunities for it to be truly realized or not? Does it provide to all Canadians, regardless of their origin, the ability to thrive and participate in this society? Are some groups and individuals still privileged over others?

Are there any associations or organizations in your community that maintain and/or promote your history and your cultural heritage? How?

Are there any specific place(s) where members of your community can gather as a group? Why are these places important for your community?

 Part 1

 Part 5

 Part 2

 Part 6

 Part 3

 Part 7

 Part 4