A South Asian community advocacy group in British Columbia is intensifying efforts to establish a dedicated museum highlighting the diverse heritage of South Asian Canadians. The Museum Liberation Force (MLF) is leading the charge, expressing frustration over the lack of progress and meaningful consultation in the four years since the museum’s announcement.
Concerns primarily revolve around the museum’s placeholder name, “South Asian Museum,” which fails to acknowledge the varied communities encompassed within the broader South Asian diaspora, including those from regions such as Fiji and Guyana. According to MLF member Sharanjit Kaur Sandhra, the absence of comprehensive engagement exacerbates these issues, leaving many voices unheard.
The B.C. NDP initially pledged to create the museum in 2020, recognizing the significant contributions of the South Asian community to the province’s history. However, Sandhra’s resignation from the Museum Advisory Committee and the formation of MLF underscore the dissatisfaction with the current approach.
In response to mounting pressure, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport has announced a second phase of engagement, emphasizing community-led discussions and online surveys to shape the museum’s vision. While acknowledging the complexity of establishing such a museum, the ministry asserts its commitment to incorporating diverse perspectives.
The push for an inclusive South Asian museum reflects broader calls for representation and recognition of marginalized communities’ histories and contributions. As efforts continue, the spotlight remains on ensuring meaningful engagement and equitable representation within the museum’s development process.