SIKH FOUNDATION OF CANADA
CELEBRATING THE RICH HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF SIKH-CANADIANS
The Sikh Foundation of Canada is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote a greater understanding and deeper appreciation of Sikh history, arts, and culture.
...we have over $16.0 million in donations committed in support of the Permanent Sikh Gallery at the ROM.
Did you know?
The first Sikhs came to Canada at the turn of the 20th century. Some visited Canada as part of the Hong Kong military contingent en route to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897—then again for the coronation of Edward VII in 1902.
—The Canadian Encyclopedia
The Sikh Foundation of Canada has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to exceptional Sikh-Canadian students who require financial assistance to attend a Canadian university.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Is it "sick" or "seek"?
There are more than 450,000 Sikhs living in Canada, accounting for roughly 1.4% of Canada's population, and you may have heard "Sikh" pronounced in a few different ways. We don't mind. But for the record, we pronounce it as "SICK."
Is Sikhism a culture or religion?
Sikhism is a major world religion that arose through the teachings of Guru Nanak (c.1469–1539) in the Punjab region of India. There are about 27 million Sikhs worldwide, making Sikhism the world's fifth largest religion. Sikh culture is frequently represented through its food, dance, arts, and celebrations.
Do Sikhs believe in God?
Yes. Sikhs believe that there is one God—without form or gender, and that human beings exist in a cycle of birth, life, and rebirth. A good life is one lived honestly and as part of a community, caring for others.
Why do Sikhs wear turbans?
The turban covers and keeps in place the uncut hair of a Sikh. Unshorn hair is one of five symbols of faith observed by a baptised Sikh. In the Sikh religion, baptism is a choice made at any stage. Baptised or not, some choose to wear a turban because for hundreds of years, it has been an important identifier of a Sikh.
What is Punjabi?
Punjabi is a popular language in Sikh communities. It's also the most commonly spoken language in Pakistan and the eleventh most commonly spoken language in India. Punjabi is now the third official language of Canada's parliament, after English and French.
Why are so many Sikhs named Singh or Kaur?
You noticed! Well, when the religion was forming the caste system was rampant in Indian society. In an effort to promote equality, male Sikhs were encouraged to adopt the last name Singh, meaning lion. And women were encouraged to use Kaur, meaning princess.
News that moved us
Every year we produce a variety of educational and inspirational videos. This one is a crowd favourite—a compilation of Sikh-related news headlines from mid-2017 to mid-2018. We love looking back at our accomplishments, and looking forward to where we still have to go.
