In March 2016, Trustees voted to designate April of each year as Sikh Heritage Month, making TDSB the first school board in Canada to do so, and matching recognition by the Province of Ontario in 2013.

According to the Sikh Heritage Month Act, "Sikh Canadians have lived in Ontario since the middle of the twentieth century. They represent a growing and dynamic population. April is an important month for the Sikh community. In this month, Sikh Canadians celebrate Vaisakhi, which marks the creation of the Khalsa and the Sikh articles of faith. The Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Sikh Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric."

Sikh Heritage Month provides an opportunity for staff, students and community members to learn more about Sikh traditions and history, and celebrate the many contributions of Sikh Canadians. It is also a time to reflect on both the struggles and accomplishments of the many communities that contribute to Canada’s rich cultural mosaic. From being turned away on Canada’s shores during the historic Komagata Maru incident in 1914 to the many Canadians, such as award winning Canadian Sikh Women authors such a Rupi Kaur and Lily Singh, we must continue to progress.

The theme for this year’s TDSB Sikh Heritage Month is one of the core Sikh Values – SEVA: Selfless Service. We are also celebrating HERitage of Sikh Women in Canada through a poster that will be shared with all schools. The poster will be posted to this site and arriving in all TDSB schools during the first week of April.

The Sikh Heritage Month Launch event has been organized and the TDSB community is invited to attend. Details are noted below.

TDSB Sikh Heritage Month Launch
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Toronto District School Board , 5050 Yonge Street – Cafeteria