S4: The Punjabi Market

How did Vancouver end up with the oldest Little India in North America? We take a look back at the history of South Asian people in British Columbia to learn how the Punjabi market formed and why the next generation of community members is trying to preserve this one of a kind neighborhood. With guests Naveen Girn and Gulzar Nanda.

To see pictures of the Punjabi Market and learn more about this episode visit: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/inappropriate-questions-transcripts-listen-1.6740372

The Punjabi market is considered to be North America's oldest little India. But how did it start, and why is it located in Vancouver?

In the latest episode, The Secret Life of Canada looks at some of the early history of South Asian people in B.C including: the stories of those first to arrive, the long fight for voting rights and 

 they explore how the neighbourhood of Kitsilano became home to some of Vancouver's first South Asian immigrants.

The Second Avenue Gurdwara in Kitsilano. Built in 1908, it was the religious, political, social, and cultural heart of the community. The Gurdwara was sold in 1970 to build the Ross Street temple.

The Second Avenue Gurdwara in Kitsilano

 chair of The Punjabi Market Collective to learn why the area&nbsp; went from being an epicentre of the&nbsp;South Asian community in the 70s&nbsp; into decline in the early 2000s and what the next generation of the market's community is doing to revitalise the neighbourhood.

Madan Dhingra opened Mona Cloth House in Punjabi Market in1990 after his wife Rajni Dhingra persuaded him to open their own business.

Mona Cloth House in Punjabi Market

Is Victoria home to North America's Oldest Chinatown?

Most major cities across Canada have a Chinatown - but how did they start, and why? This episode, a look at the early history of Chinese people this side of the Pacific, and the historic Chinatown in B.C. that predates Confederation.

Slums located in the Chinese quarter of Victoria, B.C. circa 1886. 

Chinese quarter, Victoria, 1886

Meet Madhu Verma, child refugee turned newcomer advocate

Changed from her experience of displacement in childhood, Madhu Verma became an effective advocate on behalf of new Canadians in New Brunswick.

Madhu Verma didn't find the community she longed to be a part of in Canada, so she helped create it. 

Madhu Verma

Take a walk through the past, present and future of Vancouver's Punjabi Market

Indian Summer Festival has collaborated with the Punjabi Market Regeneration Collective to create a self-guided audio tour that leads you on an experiential walk through Vancouver’s vibrant Punjabi Market, creating a sense of place.

Punjabi Market is considered to be the oldest Little India in North America.

Punjabi Market celebrated its 51st anniversary in 2021. 

Punjabi Market Sigh Vancouver

 by August Jack Khahtsahlano and&nbsp; J.S.Matthews&nbsp;

 The South Asian Canadian Heritage Website&nbsp;

 The South Asian Canadian Histories Association

 The Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Simon Fraser University Library

 Hosted by Naveen Girn, Milan Singh, Paneet Singh

The Punjabi Market was the first place in the world outside of South Asia to have Punjabi on street signs.

North America's oldest Little India is Vancouver's Punjabi Market

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