Launch of online exhibit: South Asian Canadian Muslims in BC

On October 30, 2025, the South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) hosted the second event of its annual Fall Lecture Series: the official launch of the South Asian Canadian Muslims in British Columbia online exhibit. The evening marked a significant milestone for a project that has been in development since 2023 and represents years of research, community engagement, and archival work.

Throughout the night, several researchers involved in the project took the stage to share their experiences. They spoke about the stories they encountered, the individuals they interviewed, and the personal connections they found between their own histories and the communities represented in the exhibit. Their reflections offered the audience an intimate look at both the emotional and scholarly journey behind this important body of work.

The event opened with remarks from Jatinder Mann, Director of SASI, followed by Shazad Nazir Khan, who served as the evening’s MC. As a member of the advisory committee for the project, he introduced each speaker while weaving in his own experiences. The speakers included Samarah Siddique, SASI research assistant and lead interviewer for many of the oral histories; Bilal Faisal Faheem, UFV Student Union Society President; and Dr. Anushay Malik, Senior Lecturer at Simon Fraser University and the project’s lead researcher. Their combined voices brought depth, warmth, and energy to the evening’s program.

This project has been a labor of dedication and vision, made possible through the efforts of many. Special recognition was given to Thamilini Jothilingam, SASI’s Digital Asset Archivist, and Satwinder Bains, former Director of SASI. Their commitment, guidance, and inspiration were instrumental in bringing the exhibit to life. Without their leadership, this rich collection of stories, histories, and archival materials would not be accessible to the public today.

The launch was not only a celebration of a completed project but also of the communities whose histories deserve to be preserved, shared, and honored. The exhibit now stands as a resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in the diverse experiences of South Asian Canadian Muslims in British Columbia.