Item
Identifier:
2023_07_03_001
Repository
Kaatza Station Museum and Archives
Repository Web Site
https://www.kaatzastationmuseum.ca/
Repository Identifier
Karm Singh Manak Tape 1 RAW
Date
May 12 1994;Date(s) of creation
Extent
Audio (1hr., 2 min., 46 sec.)
Format
sound recording
Description
Audio interview of Karm Singh Manak, an Indian Immigrant. Karm Singh Manak immigrated to Canada in 1921 from Banga in Punjab, India. In this interview, Karm Singh Manak is talking about his immigration to Canada, struggles, schooling and work. He also talks about his struggles with racism and how he countered it. Moreover, he talks about his work history, politics, wars and the labour union strikes.
Language
English
Notes
Karm Singh Manak's Immigration: His father was the first one from his family to move to Canada. He bought Karm Singh Manak to Canada in 1921 and then Karm's mother came in 1924. They first used to live near Vancouver, and soon moved to Duncan. Karm Singh has been living in Duncan since 1929. He belongs from Banga, Punjab, India.
Schooling in Canada: Karm Singh was the only Indian immigrant child in the school. He struggled in the beginning to socialize with other children but was very comfortable as per the studies. He joined the school in grade 1 and already knew more than his other class mates, because he used to go to school in India.
Work Life: Karm Singh left the school within 6 years of his admission there. He went to work for the lumber mills. He has worked at mulitple locations like Duncan, Nanaimo and Hillcrest. After sometime he bought his own logging truck and started his own business.
Marriage: He was arranged to get married to a punjabi women back in India. He married her in India and then she moved to Canada after some time.
Rights Statement
In copyright
Subject Headings - SACDA
South Asian Canadian men;South Asian Canadian sawmill workers
Subject Headings - Library of Congress
Immigrants [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85064517];Labor unions [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85136516];Labor unions--Canada [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2008106524];Labor unions--Canada--History [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2009128451];Timber [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85135386];Lumber trade [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85078814];Sawmill workers [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85117788];Sawmills [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85117790];Arranged marriage [http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh98004366]