The NDP government announced the South Asian Canadian Museum with much fanfare and it hasn’t done much since other than make empty announcements. And it is already getting heat from Museum Liberation Force, which is questioning Provincial Ministry’s commitment to community engagement with upcoming event “Where Is Our Museum?”

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY – The NDP government announced the South Asian Canadian Museum with much fanfare and it hasn’t done much since other than make empty announcements. And it is already getting heat from Museum Liberation Force, which is questioning Provincial Ministry’s commitment to community engagement with upcoming event “Where Is Our Museum?”

The Group said in a press release Saturday that in the past two years, the Province of BC has made multiple announcements for the same project: a South Asian Canadian Museum.

During these 2 years, there have been promises to begin a community engagement process, with little movement. What actions were undertaken by the Province were widely panned by the Punjabi and wider South Asian community as being ill-conceived and insincere.

“That’s why a concerned group of diverse community members gathered to form the Museum Liberation Force. Doubting the Ministry’s genuine interest in heeding the community’s voice, we are hosting an event titled “Where Is Our Museum?” to foster transparent dialogue, directly engage with our own community’s concerns, and “liberate” our narratives from the compromise and distortions that have occurred thus far,” the Group said in the press release.

The event, scheduled for 6pm on April 2, 2024 at Surrey City Hall, aims to scrutinize the Ministry’s initiatives and advocate for authentic representation and action in community matters. Despite numerous promises, there remains a significant gap between the Ministry’s statements and tangible outcomes that reflect our overarching needs and aspirations including, but not limited to:

  • Delivering a community engagement program that is authentic and driven by the community itself.
  • Imagining models and structures for a museum that aren’t a cookie-cutter version of previous projects, but authentic to our needs.
  • Planning for the long-term sustainability of an institution through operational funding, with the Province as a partner.
  • Building an institution that meaningfully represents the Punjabi and wider South Asian community.
  • Naming this institution in such a way as to be inclusive, while honouring those who came before us.

While the Ministry’s announcements sound like a step in the right direction, the lack of substantial progress and concrete actions raises doubts about their commitment to truly listen and respond to the community. Now, leading up to an election, it is a tired cliche for the Province to be re-announcing a program that was supposed to be underway two years ago.

The event ‘Where Is Our Museum?’ seeks to build on our community’s greatest asset — our relationships. The discussion will feature insights from local leaders, activists, and community members, shedding light on the socio-political dynamics and the community’s persistent quest for a dedicated museum space. This event is not just a call for action but a rallying cry for community solidarity and empowerment.

For more information and to reserve your spot at the event, please visit:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/where-is-our-museum-tickets-864094970317