By Zile Singh

British Columbia is one of the best places in the world to settle.  It is known for its clement weather and multiculturalism.   Here one can enjoy scenic panorama of “Sea to Sky”.  If you want to ride, glide, hike, or dive, come to Beautiful British Columbia.  Once in Greater Vancouver, one cannot miss “Highway to Heaven” either.  On Road No.5 in Richmond, the city is magnanimous enough to accommodate a Church, a Mosque, a Gurudwara, a Temple, aMonastery, and a Synagoguewithin a distance of one kilometre.  It is a living example of cultural diversity and social integration to be found anywhere else. Thus, a flag of “Unity in Diversity” is unfurling high.  Diversity is the most valued resource for human resilience and development. 

 People of all ages and nationalities put their heads together in different forms and forums to make this place even more congenial and progressive.  Seniors play a significant role in this endeavour. Seniors now represent 20% of the BC population compared to 18% in 2017.  In the last five years, the number of people 85 years and older has grown 10%.  The main growth in the Senior’s population is in the 65-79 age group.  The 2019 median income of B.C. seniors was $30,750 a year, compared to $51.170 for the prime working age population. October 1 of each year is National Seniors Day, which coincides with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. The 2010 Speech from the Throne announced that the Government would support legislation to create a National Seniors’ Day.  Canada’s first National Seniors’ Day was celebrated on October 1, 2011. 

The B.C. Cultural Diversity Association, (BCCDA), a non-profit and non-political organisation was incorporated in May 2018 to promote harmony between and within cultures.  The BCCDA celebrated its Annual Seniors Recognition Day on October 14, 2023, at the Pink Pearl Seafood Restaurant, Vancouver. Ten seniors between the ages of 80- 96 were recognised for their community services.  These are:

  1. Gwendolyn Wong – born on March 5, 1927, in New Westminster. As a widow of a WWII Veteran, Gwendolyn’s passion lies in telling the stories of Chinese Canadian Veterans and their challenges and sacrifices to make Canada a better place to live for future generation. 
  2. Dominica Bagunu is a remarkable senior at the age of 90 and stands as a cherished figure within the Filipino- Canadian community. Currently she is serving as the President of the Venerable Filipino Seniors. Filipino Cultural Heritage Society awarded her the Maharlika Honour for community service.
  3. Dennis Baker – at age 85 Dennis is still active in bringing joy to children through his work to refurbish discarded children’s bicycles. In 2022 he exceeded expectations by repairing and gifting 137 bicycles and tricycles to children.
  4. Sucha Singh Claire: At age 86, Sucha is still active in several Indo-Canadian organisations. He remained President of the Sunset Indo-Canadian Seniors Society for almost a decade.  He has earned many awards and is a regular columnist for the Punjabi weekly The Indo-Canadian Times. 
  5. Bent Nielsen:  Was born in 1937 in Dragor, Denmark.  Bent’s life epitomizes a rich tapestry of professional success as an engineer and his support for visually and mobility-impaired adults.
  6. Lucille Loose: Born in Alberta some 80 years ago, Lucille embodies an active spirit, engaging in both crafting and community service. She is an accomplished artist donating her paintings for charities. 
  7. Yang Jun Shin:  Was born in 1938 in Busan, South Korea. He is one of the founding members of the Overseas Korean Traders Association. As President of the Korean Veterans Association he was instrumental in the construction of a monument in memory of Korean and Canadian who sacrificed in the Korean War.  
  8. Lorita Leung:  Was born in 1940 in Shanghai (China).  She founded the first Chinese Dance Academy in Vancouver in 1970. She is remarkable woman in the field of Art and Culture.   In 2006, Lorita was named one of the “Most Influential Chinese People in BC”.  
  9. Sudha Manral: Born in India in 1941 did her master’s degree in economics at a time when girls rarely got primary schooling.  She taught in secondary schools in Delhi. With her persistence strength and sacrifice, she took care of her disabled husband and three sons. She is a truly courageous, strong, and caring example. 
  10. Maggie Ip: Born in Shanghai (China).  She founded S.U.C.C.E.S.S, an immigrant services agency helping new Canadians bridge intercultural understanding of their new home in Canada. She helps community through volunteerism, improving race relations and multicultural education. 

Other Indo-Canadians who have been recognised in the past are Devinder Singh Dhami, Roshan Kochhar, John Halani, Capt. Mohinder S. Jaswal, and Sergeat Sukhdev Singh Gadri.  Mr. Dave S. Hayer, former Secretary for Multiculturalism, BC is the Vice-President and Randy Sandhu, a reputed Transporter is one of BCCDA Directors. 

Zile Singh is a well respected Columnist, Writer and a Vipassana Meditater. He has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Rights.  He can be reached at zsnirwal@yahoo.ca