The first event in the South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) Fall lecture Series takes place on Thu, Oct 8 from 5-7 pm in Building J (room J182) on the Abbotsford campus.As SASI kicks off year-long 20th anniversary celebrations, Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains, Professor Emeritus and inaugural Director of SASI, will reflect on two decades of SASI’s work at UFV and in the community, including research, public engagement, heritage preservation, archival work, and community partnerships. The evening will also include the official launch of the South Asian Canadian Digital Archive (SACDA) Collections Catalogue, featuring more than 75 archival collections.
The event is free and open to all, with refreshments provided.
Two more events will follow, and you can RSVP for any of them at this link.
Event 2: Role of Caste in the 120-Year History of South Asian Canadian Migration
Date: Tue, Oct 20, 2026
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: UFV Abbotsford, Building K, Room K180
Speakers: Chetna Association of Canada Executive Director, Jai Birdi along with UBC professors Dr. Anne Murphy, and Dr. Seema Mahi
Description: Join the South Asian Studies Institute for a lecture exploring the role of caste across more than a century of South Asian migration to Canada and how caste has shaped community experiences, identities, and social relationships over time. The evening will bring together perspectives from research, community work, and lived experience.
Date: Tue, Oct 20, 2026
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: UFV Abbotsford, Building K, Room K180
Speakers: Chetna Association of Canada Executive Director, Jai Birdi along with UBC professors Dr. Anne Murphy, and Dr. Seema Mahi
Description: Join the South Asian Studies Institute for a lecture exploring the role of caste across more than a century of South Asian migration to Canada and how caste has shaped community experiences, identities, and social relationships over time. The evening will bring together perspectives from research, community work, and lived experience.
The event is free and open to all, with refreshments provided.
Event 3: Canadian Politics and the Impact of Diversity
Date: Thu, Oct 29
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: UFV Abbotsford, Building J, Room J182
Speakers: The Honourable Senator Baltej S. Dhillon, moderated by Dr. Hamish Telford
Description: Join a conversation about diversity, representation, and participation in Canadian politics. The discussion will consider how Canada’s changing social landscape intersects with political institutions, leadership, and public life.
Date: Thu, Oct 29
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: UFV Abbotsford, Building J, Room J182
Speakers: The Honourable Senator Baltej S. Dhillon, moderated by Dr. Hamish Telford
Description: Join a conversation about diversity, representation, and participation in Canadian politics. The discussion will consider how Canada’s changing social landscape intersects with political institutions, leadership, and public life.