South Asian Muslims in British Columbia

South Asian Muslims in Canada are a diverse group who have advocated for spaces to practice their religion and faced challenges along the way. This project records their stories to deepen understanding of the South Asian Canadian Muslim experience, especially in British Columbia (BC).

The project gathers these stories through interviews, research and historical records. Viewing Islam as a mosaic, it focuses on the traditions and lived experiences of BC’s South Asian Muslim community. The South Asian Muslim community is made up of new immigrants and early settlers from the start of the 20th century. Recognizing that this project will be a first step in preserving these histories, we aim to provide a foundation for future researchers, artists and community members to continue documenting the stories of South Asian Muslims in BC.

We welcome any feedback that can help us improve this project by writing to us at sasi@ufv.ca or contacting us at 604-854-4547.

About the Project

The South Asian Muslims in British Columbia (SAMBC) project is an online exhibit (developed between 2024 and 2025 as an ongoing project) within the South Asian Canadian Digital Archive (SACDA). This project seeks to create a foundational understanding of the South Asian Muslim communities in BC as a starting point to build a more robust engagement with the diverse communities and their experiences across Canada. What you will find here is the history of migration and settlement, oral history narratives of contemporary BC South Asian Muslims, a recent timeline of significant events and and many reading resources for you to explore.

 

Explore Our Content

Historical Journey

Explore the migration and settlement of South Asian Muslims in British Columbia across different time periods:

View all history pages →

Oral Histories

Discover the rich cultural and religious practices, community organizations, and daily life experiences:

Explore Oral Histories →

Research Resources

Access academic research, articles, books and other resources about South Asian Muslims:

Browse resources →

Participate

Contribute to this living archive by sharing your personal experience or family history:

How to contribute →