Crowns and Cages: A Sikh Woman's Reflections of the Sikh Community in Canada

Authors

  • Sonia Kaur Aujla-Bhullar University of Calgary

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18733/cpi29532

Abstract

This article adopts a subjective and reflective voice to convey my emotional response (in Boler’s, 1999 terms) to the passing of a recent Bill in Quebec. The article explores the question:  How does one reconcile a Sikh identity that is worthy, respected and admirable in Quebec, and by extension in Canada, in light of Quebec’s Bill 21? Further, through the lens of a racialized minority, that of a Sikh woman calling Canada home, and from the perspective of my family who have lived in Canada for several generations, I contest the recent legislation in Quebec’s Bill 21, for having erected a very strong, man-made cage that effectively bars anyone with a Sikh identity from working in the civil service.

Author Biography

Sonia Kaur Aujla-Bhullar, University of Calgary

Sonia Aujla-Bhullar is a public-school teacher in Calgary and holds an Eyes High Doctoral and SSHRC fellowship as a PhD candidate in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. Her current research centres on exploring multiethnic and multicultural community engagements between schools and populations of families and students as part of understanding present-day inclusive educational measures. She has published works that include critical analyses concerning the experiences of racialized minorities and women in education.

Wave at Rozelle, St. Thomas by Emma Lewis

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Published

2021-08-27

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2020): "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"

Section

Post Colonial Articles, Poetry, Artwork