About Sikh Heritage BC

A Sikh is someone who follows the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus and the eternal Guru, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the central holy scripture and the guiding authority of the Sikhs. The word ‘Sikh’ translates to ‘learner’. Sikhi is a faith founded on the belief in one universal omnipresent creator, Waheguru, (Ik Onkar). It teaches that all human beings are equal, regardless of race, gender, or social status. The primary goals of a Sikh are to live honestly, share with others, and remember Waheguru at all timesA Sikh is someone who follows the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus and the eternal Guru, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the central holy scripture and the guiding authority of the Sikhs. The word ‘Sikh’ translates to ‘learner’. Sikhi is a faith founded on the belief in one universal omnipresent creator, Waheguru, (Ik Onkar). It teaches that all human beings are equal, regardless of race, gender, or social status. The primary goals of a Sikh are to live honestly, share with others, and remember Waheguru at all times

The Sikh faith was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the late 15th century. He was followed by nine successive Gurus who further developed the spiritual and social structure of the community.

The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture and the guiding authority of the Sikhs. However, for Sikhs, it is much more than a holy book — it is the Eternal Guru. It is unique because it contains writings of the Sikh Gurus as well as writings from saints from other religions and faiths who shared similar visions of divine unity and equality. The tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, declared that there would be no more living Gurus after him. He passed the spiritual authority of the community to Guru Granth Sahib in 1708.

A Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship. It translates to ‘Gateway to the Guru.’ In a Gurdwara, the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a raised platform under a canopy. It is treated with the same respect one would show a living monarch or teacher, including being fanned with a Chaur Sahib (tassel fan) and being put to rest in a special room at night. Every Gurdwara features a Langar, a community kitchen where a free vegetarian meal is served to everyone, regardless of their background, as an act of equality and service.

While the depth of Sikh philosophy is vast, its core is distilled into three foundational pillars established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. These principles provide a holistic framework for a spiritual yet socially responsible life. These are:

i.               Naam Japo (Meditative Remembrance): This is the practice of constant mindfulness of the Divine. By meditating on God’s name, a Sikh seeks to subdue the five inner vices (lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego) and maintain a state of spiritual groundedness and peace.

ii.              Kirat Karo (Honest Labor): Sikhi rejects asceticism and instead promotes householder living. This pillar mandates earning a livelihood through honest, dedicated, and ethical means, ensuring that one’s work contributes positively to society.

iii.            Vand Chakko (Selfless Sharing): This principle emphasizes social responsibility. It compels individuals to share the fruits of their labour, including wealth, time, and talent, with the less fortunate and the wider community.

Together, these teachings ensure that a Sikh's spiritual development is inseparable from their personal and societal responsibilities.

Sikh Heritage Society BC is a passionate, volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization committed to preserving and celebrating Sikh culture, heritage, and history in beautiful British Columbia. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the rich tapestry of Sikh heritage, fostering positive change within our community and beyond.

The Government of Canada officially recognized April as Sikh Heritage Month in 2019. Sikh Heritage Month BC is an annual celebration that recognizes the rich contributions and aspirations of Sikh-Canadians. Sikh Heritage Society BC is at the forefront of Sikh Heritage Month BC. This initiative is about creating greater awareness and appreciation of Sikh culture and heritage, promoting intercultural dialogue, and fostering education. It is our way of showcasing the profound impact Sikhs have had on the economic, social, and cultural fabric of British Columbia

Other than spearheading the Sikh Heritage Month celebrations, Sikh Heritage Society of BC is committed year-round to promoting Sikh values, providing insights, dispelling misconceptions, and fostering mutual respect amongst communities. Sikh Heritage Society BC actively contributes to informed discussions in the media and takes part in dialogues aimed at deepening the understanding of Sikh culture, history, and contemporary issues. Our multifaceted education project encompasses scholarships, engaging lesson plans aligned with the BC Curriculum, inspiring workshops for educators, and an array of other educational resources.

April is a cornerstone month for Sikhs because it marks Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi is one of the most significant festivals in the Sikh calendar and is also celebrated as a spring harvest festival across Punjab. It usually falls on April 13 or 14 each year. For Sikhs, Vaisakhi is much more than a harvest festival; it marks the birth of the Khalsa Panth. In 1699, the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji transformed the Sikh community by establishing the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib. Guru Sahib initiated a new order and gave Sikhs a distinctive collective identity and way of life.

You can participate in Sikh Heritage Month by attending events organized by Sikh Heritage BC, its partner organizations and other Sikh groups in the community. These community gatherings celebrate the Sikh identity and the birth of the Khalsa, while honoring the significant economic, social, and cultural impact Sikhs have made in British Columbia and Canada. Sikh Heritage BC also welcomes new volunteers, and is interested in hearing about opportunities to collaborate which align with our values and mission.