The “We Are Hockey” exhibit was unveiled on March 26 in the Sikh Heritage Museum at the Gur Sikh Temple in Abbotsford. This exhibit was the result of a year-long process undertaken by the South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) of the University of Fraser Valley. It is open everyday until February 2020.
The launch event featured the exhibit for the first time. There were two rooms where people could see what was on display.
There was a section dedicated to the Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi broadcast, complete with pictures and quotes with all the members of the team and a desk with cut-outs of a few members for visitors to take pictures with.
The other section was decorated along the walls with hockey players of colour who have made an impact in the sport, including Larry Kwong, Willie O’Ree, Angela James, and Robin Bawa among others.
There were some displays of hockey cards, books, and action figures of players of colour with 2 large displays featuring Manny Malhotra and Jujhar Khaira.
The event also featured a Canucks theme outside with the Canucks mascot Fin and an inflatable Canucks setup where kids could play hockey. After an hour of people socializing, playing and taking in the exhibit, everyone was directed upstairs to the main hall.
After ardaas, there were several speakers, including keynote speakers from HNIC Punjabi in Harnarayan Singh and Randip Janda. The speakers all shared a common message revolving around our country’s love of hockey and the importance of recognizing the role of people of colour in this beautiful game.
Discussions involving the main group at the SASI provided key insights to their thought processes and belief in the idea of the exhibit as well as their goals for what they hope visitors can take home with them.
Satwinder Kaur Bains, director of the SASI: “I’m hoping people come and broaden their horizons and understand this is an iconic sport but it has its dark history as well and they understand our role in not just talking about South Asians but of all people of all backgrounds to find a common humanity and to carry on the fight against racism and discrimination. Hockey is often celebratory but there is a dark underbelly that needs to be discussed as well.”
Sharanjit Kaur Sandhra, coordinator of the SASI: “Working, co-curating and being a part of the Sikh Heritage Museum team is instilled for me within a concept of seva. We are all collectively working towards selfless service to all our various communities so that we may showcase history, heritage, faith and a range of discourses within this beautiful and powerful space. Imagine that-that Canadian ice hockey is now a part of that narrative!”
Shan Dhaliwal, digital media strategist of the SASI: “This exhibit, ‘We Are Hockey’ is itself is so different and unique that it makes me feel like I am a part of something incredibly special. It was an amazing experience connecting with so many people in the community and getting the opportunity to meet such great personalities within the community who are quickly becoming cultural icons.”
Satinder Dhillon, exhibit art director and designer of the SASI: "It's been a memorable experience helping the South Asian Studies Institute design their 'We are Hockey' exhibit. It has helped me immerse myself back into Punjabi culture and language and have a greater appreciation for who I am, and where I come from."
The team behind the exhibit give a great deal of credit to the support they have received from the city, the school, the community, the Khalsa Diwan Society, and their sponsors. However, their team of the SASI deserve the most praise for the hard work that went into this exhibit. They have come a long way in their yearlong creation process, and the effort behind this profound project can be seen throughout the entire exhibit. The team was very welcoming throughout the event and the atmosphere was just incredibly fun and positive.
Sports are important in society, and in Canada, hockey is part of the national cultural identity. The sport has always been seen as one dominated by Caucasian players, despite history made and progress made by players of colour.
However, the sad truth is that these stories of perseverance and beating the odds in the face of discrimination have not been shared with the fans of the sport. This exhibit shares those stories and offers visitors a chance to see the pioneers of minorities in hockey as they follow the timeline to the present day where players of Punjabi descent and other minorities are starting to break through into the professional leagues.
The message from this exhibit, is for kids everywhere to believe in themselves, that they are a part of the sport just like anyone else, that they can accomplish great things. For all of us out there who may not see people like us in the sport frequently, who may feel like we are just observers of the game, this powerful exhibit proves to all of us, that we are hockey.