The BC Ugandan Asian Resettlement Committee’s exhibit Kampala to Canada, which will begin with a reception on Tuesday evening, will highlight 50 years of Ugandan Asian Resettlement in Canada.  “It’s a commemoration and not a celebration,” explains the curator of the exhibition, Taslim Samji. “Many Ugandan Asians experienced incredible loss, suffering and trauma due to the forced exodus issued by President Amin in 1972.”

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VANCOUVER – The BC Ugandan Asian Resettlement Committee’s exhibit Kampala to Canada, which will begin with a reception on Tuesday evening, will highlight 50 years of Ugandan Asian Resettlement in Canada. 

“It’s a commemoration and not a celebration,” explains the curator of the exhibition, Taslim Samji. “Many Ugandan Asians experienced incredible loss, suffering and trauma due to the forced exodus issued by President Amin in 1972.”

80,000 Asians (referring to those whose ancestors were originally from India and Pakistan) were given 90 days to leave Uganda. Thousands arrived in Canada, penniless, uncertain. After Amin’s reign, the Ugandan government made efforts to welcome Asians back. Only a few returned.

Since then, Ugandan Asians have given back to Canada – economically, socially, and culturally. “We have profiled several Ugandan Asian Canadians in the exhibition. They are among land developers, hoteliers, entrepreneurs, educators, doctors, all of whom call Metro Vancouver home; they are generous supporters of community and social initiatives with their time and resources,” explains Samji.

This three-day exhibition runs October 25th through 27th at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, Vancouver. The Opening Reception is on October 25th from 6:45pm to 8:00pm.

“This was the last project he worked on,” explains Zool Meraly, longtime friend of the late John Halani. “John was a Ugandan Asian who owned hotels on Robson Street, downtown Vancouver for many years. He gave generously with his heart, time, and resources.” He is one of the Ugandan Asians profiled in the exhibition.

With over 40 Canadian artists taking part in this exhibition, from Uganda, Iraq, Philippines, Malaysia, China, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, there are many stories, perspectives, and expressions to be shared.

“As we commemorate 50 years of Ugandan Asian Resettlement in Canada, we acknowledge that the place we now call home is also on unceded lands,” explains Samji. “Colonialization has left lasting effects across the globe and is also the reason many Ugandan Asians found themselves stateless in 1972.”

About Curator Taslim Samji

Taslim Samji is a multidisciplinary artist, curator, writer, and spoken word poet. Her work inspires the viewer to imagine, to consider and reconsider shifts in perspectives. She is a change maker known for curating thought-provoking exhibitions showcasing the work of Muslim artists, People of Colour, and sharing stories of Immigration in response to xenophobia. Through her work, she explores identity, diversity, and shared perspectives.  

Taslim is a self-taught artist that studied at Emily Carr University of Art & Design. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from UBC, where she majored in Asian Studies.

Over the past several years, she has served on various boards, including the City of Burnaby’s Public Art Advisory Committee, Acquisitions Committee, and now on the Burnaby Arts Council. She is a powerful advocate for the inclusion of BIPOC artists within the local art scene.

In 2017, Taslim received an international award – Women of the Decade in Arts and Leadership – presented by the Women Economic Forum in Delhi, India.

Taslim is currently writing a book where she explores cultural conditioning, generational trauma, and the impact of colonialism through the eyes of a young South Asian girl.

To learn more about her work, visit www.TSamji.com