I am not a Label : I am a Sikh-Canadian

UNITED SIKHS Applauds Canadian Government Action to Remove “Sikh” Terrorism from Canadian Public Safety Report But Calls For Further Action

#AskCanadianSikhs #SikhsAreNotAThreat

April 16, 2019

Toronto, Canada : 2018 Public Report on the Terrorist Threat to Canada modifies derogatory and inaccurate language from its initial report. To begin with there was no merit, justification or qualification for this inclusion.  The revisions include the erasure of eight references to Sikh extremism, and six references to Khalistan.  

Sta in Latin ‘status’ – Stan derived from Persian means “place of” :Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Khalistan, Hindustan, Tatarstan, Dravidistan.

The updated report has redacted the terminology “Sikh extremism” and “Sikh (Khalistan)” from the report. The updated version notes that, “Outlining a threat, it must be clearly linked to an ideology rather than a community”. It is pertinent that reporting is done responsibly. Proper reporting should specify and differentiate between extremists who support and encourage indiscriminate violence to verbiage that labels an entire religious community. Public Safety Canada issued a statement saying they were reviewing their use of language so as not to malign any single group.  

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau graciously takes a bow before the sangat as a sign of respect, acknowledgement and before speaking at the Khalsa Diwan Society Temple. Shortly thereafter, Trudeau and Ministry of Defense Harjit Sajjan head before a boisterous crowd marching in the Vaisakhi parade. Vancouver, Canada this past Saturday April 13, 2019.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, centre, Minister of Defence Harjit Sajjan, front left, and MP Sukh Dhaliwal, centre right, march in the Vaisakhi parade in Vancouver on Saturday. DARRYL DYCK / THE CANADIAN PRESS

The 2018 Public Report on the Terrorist Threat to Canada was updated on April 12, 2019.  The changes to the report came 24 hours prior to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to the Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver to mark Vaisakhi. Prime Minister Trudeau praised the Sikh community for its emphasis on “equality and social justice” as reported by the CBC.

It is pertinent that as a purveyor of religious freedom and a leader on human rights, Canada will take any connotations or implications of minority communities seriously. Improper language can foster an environment of fervor and become the basis for indiscriminate hate crimes and right wing ideologies. A prime example is last month in New Zealand in which the country witnessed a lone wolf attack that shook the very fabric of human consciousness. It was the most horrific mass shooting in its history.

It is vital Canada continue to uphold its sovereignty and not tolerate dictations from external influences or foreign nations.  By doing exactly this the Canadian government and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are sending a signal to the Sikhs living in Canada and abroad.  It’s a signal that Canada is an embracing country that will lend an ear to its minority communities.

However it is unfortunate that the initial inclusion took place at all.  Optimism, Oneness and vigilance will ensure that miss-classifications are rectified and avoided. Creating a genuine dialogue with citizens and governance are steps the Sikh-Canadian community has done for 4 generations. This diligence allows Sikhs everywhere to have a voice, for Sikh issues or concerns to be listened to at every level. It allows a platform where equality for humanity and any violations of human rights can be and are addressed.

Optimism is entrenched in the Sikh value of Chardhi Kala(positive thinking). This is the foundation upon which Sikh-Canadians have played an integral and instrumental part in building and strengthening Canada for over 120 years. Sikh-Canadian households are ingrained in every part of society including the military, sports, entertainment, industrial, the private and the public sector.  Sikh-Canadians have achieved monumental successes in every field and every industry. Twelve Ministers come from the Sikh-Canadian community. With that said, Sikh-Canadians look forward to continue this robust and vibrant relationship with Canada.

Canadian Government deliverable for Sikh-Canadians:

1. Deliver specific proof outlining reasons why Sikhs were listed on the “initial” report?
2. A community outreach initiative, that will formulate a formal plan to incorporate collaborative input.  The input will come from Canada’s minority groups, including Sikh-Canadians, on current and all future reports.

Issued by,
Jagdeep Singh
ICHRA (International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy) Director
UNITED SIKHS
E: law-global@unitedsikhs.org