Origins and Demographics
South Asian Canadians trace their origins to the Indian subcontinent, encompassing countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. This group also includes descendants from South Asian communities in East and South Africa, the Caribbean, Fiji, and Mauritius, as well as migrants from Western nations. According to the 2021 census, 2.6 million Canadians, making up 7.1% of the population, identify as South Asian, making them the largest visible minority group in Canada. A significant portion of this community was born in India (44.3%), followed by Canada (28.7%), Pakistan (9.2%), Sri Lanka (5.4%), and Bangladesh (3%).
Cultural and Historical Roots
South Asian Canadians are united by shared cultural and historical ties, but their identities are often closely linked to their specific ethnocultural backgrounds. The region’s cultural diversity is mirrored in Canada, with a wide array of languages, religions, and ethnic groups represented. While Hinduism is predominant among Indians, there are significant Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and Jain communities. Pakistan and Bangladesh are primarily Muslim, but also culturally diverse, and Buddhism is a major religion among Sri Lankans, alongside Hindu, Muslim, and Christian minorities.
Immigration History
The history of South Asian immigration to Canada dates back to 1903 when the first migrants arrived in Vancouver, primarily Sikhs from Punjab seeking better wages. Despite an initial surge, immigration faced significant barriers due to discriminatory policies aimed at curbing South Asian rights. The continuous-journey regulation of 1908 effectively halted further immigration by requiring immigrants to travel directly from their country of origin, a route that did not exist from India to Canada at the time.
The situation remained largely unchanged until 1947 when community pressure and international developments led to the relaxation of some restrictions, allowing for a gradual increase in immigration. The removal of racial and national biases in the 1960s and the introduction of non-discriminatory immigration regulations in 1967 saw a dramatic increase in South Asian immigration, further diversified by the arrival of refugees and immigrants from other parts of the world in subsequent decades.
Religious and Cultural Life
The South Asian community in Canada is marked by a vibrant religious and cultural life, with institutions that cater to the diverse spiritual needs of Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, and Buddhists, among others. Religious and cultural organizations often support language classes, music, dance, and other cultural activities, helping to preserve the rich heritage of South Asian traditions in Canada.
Economic and Social Integration
Early South Asian settlers, particularly Sikhs in British Columbia, were involved in the lumber industry. Over the years, the community has seen a broadening in occupational distribution, with a significant number of professionals, entrepreneurs, and blue- and white-collar workers contributing to the Canadian economy. Socially, South Asian Canadians maintain a balance between integrating into Canadian culture and preserving their own familial and community traditions, with an emphasis on extended family and kinship networks.
South Asian Canadians are an integral part of Canada’s multicultural fabric, contributing significantly to the country’s cultural, social, and economic life. Despite facing challenges and discrimination in the past, the community has flourished, becoming a vibrant and dynamic part of Canadian society. With ongoing immigration and the natural growth of the community, South Asian Canadians will continue to play a vital role in shaping Canada’s future.
