Sub-Series 1.1 : 75th anniversary

Copy of a news release from July 21, 1989, from the Province of British Columbia announcing the establishment of July 23 as Komagata Maru Memorial Day. The record also contains a copy of the official proclamation from the Province of British Columbia.

Copy of a letter written to Bikar Singh Dhillon, the president of Khalsa Diwan Society Vancouver from Bill McKnight from the Minister of National Defense. In the letter, McKnight writes that despite feeling compassion, he had to deny the request for a 21 gun salute for the Komagata Maru commemoration event. He explains that salutes are reserved for certain events. He ends the letter by wishing… more

Notice giving details for the historic gathering on July 23, 1989 for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Komagata Maru tragedy. The notice provides information on the date, time, and location of the event. Through the notice, the Komagata Maru Historical Society calls upon its members to attend the event to bear witness to the gathering and to witness the Vancouver Mayor, Gordon… more

Letter written by Hari Sharma from the Komagata Maru Historical Society inviting organizations to join the Society. The letter outlines some goals of the committee and some of its principles. At the top of the page, written in hand, is the addressee, Kanwal Singh Neel from Khalsa Diwan Society. At the bottom of the page is a handwritten note with an invitation to the Society's next meeting… more

Document detailing the establishment of the Komagata Maru Historical Society. The guiding principles, goals, and objectives of the Society are also outlined.

Notice detailing an event hosted by the Progressive Indo-Canadian Community Services Society, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Komagata Maru tragedy. The notice provides information about the time, date, and place of the event, as well as information regarding the speaker and other event presentations. The notice is printed on yellow paper and is in written in both English and Punjabi.

Copy of a news release from May 12, 1989 from Vancouver Sath announcing a public exhibition created to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Komagata Maru tragedy. The news release provides the date, time, and location of the event. On the top of the page there is a photograph of the Komagata Maru's passengers, as well as the contact information and logo for Vancouver Sath. more

Invitation from Vancouver Sath to their event, The Komagata Maru Photo Exhibition Release. The photo exhibition was created to commemorating the 75th anniversary for the Komagata Maru tragedy. The invitation includes information regarding the event date, time, and location.

Exhibit flyer detailing the photo exhibit held by Vancouver Sath commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Komagata Maru tragedy. Flyer details event dates, time, and location. On the bottom of the flyer is Vancouver Sath's logo and contact information. more

Letter written by Moe Sihota, M.L.A., describing a day in the Legislature when he attempted to get a response from the provincial government on whether there were plans to commemorate the Komagata Maru tragedy. The inquiry was met with denial. Included is a copy of the exchange between Sihota and Reid, the Minister of Tourism, as well a copy of the news release Moe Sihota released following the… more

Letter written by Moe Sihota, M.L.A., describing a day in the Legislature when he attempted to get a response from the provincial government on whether the provincial government would consider providing funding for the Komagata Maru memorial. He was met with denial, and a debate among the members ensued. During the exchange, racial allusions and comments were made against Mr. Sihota by the… more

Hand drawn map outlining the area for the historic gathering commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Komagata Maru tragedy in Vancouver, BC, on July 23, 1989.

Letter written by Bikar Singh Dhillon, president of Khalsa Diwan Society Vancouver. The recipient of the letter is an unknown president of an organization. In the letter, Dhillon requests the recipient to post a poster with the events surrounding the 75th anniversary of the Komagata Maru tragedy where the organization's members would be able to see it. The letter is written on a white paper… more

Letter written by Bikar Singh Dhillon, president of Khalsa Diwan Society Vancouver, to B.C. Premier Bill Vander Zalm. Dhillon expresses his shock at the premier's treatment of M.L.A. Moe Sihota, as well as his refusal to support the placement of a commemorative plaque honouring the passengers of the Komagata Maru. Dhillon reminds the premier of the past actions of the provincial government… more

Notice written by B.C. Premier Bill Vander Zalm declaring the week of July 17-23, 1989, as "The 75th Anniversary of the Komagata Maru Incident" in the province of B.C. more