Canadians of South Asian heritages contribute to vision for provincial museum

More than 16,000 British Columbians of South Asian heritage contributed to a vision for a new provincial museum dedicated to their cultures and histories. The engagement process, which lasted 12 months, involved public surveys, community discussions, and targeted outreach to ensure a wide range of perspectives were captured. Minister Anne Kang highlighted the importance of cultural representation, stating that it allows communities to see their stories reflected in a museum. Parliamentary secretary Amna Shah noted the significance of preserving South Asian history as an immigrant of that heritage. Participants emphasized the need for the museum to celebrate diverse traditions and educate others about the contributions of South Asian communities in British Columbia.

The Province allocated $500,000 to facilitate this engagement and support community sessions. The final report, which reflects community visions for the museum, is accessible online. The term "South Asian," while widely recognized, was noted by some participants as not fully representative of all communities involved.