If you are one of the hundreds of people out there in Surrey/Abby/Vancouver/Kelowna/Nanaimo protesting in solidarity with Punjabi farmers this week-then you belong to a multigenerational history of farmer activism in the Fraser Valley. Here is some of you sacred history:

In the 1970s, 80% of farm workers in BC were Punjabi settlers. Most of them made around $2000 A YEAR as berry pickers. I remember going to pick berries with my mum do you? Farm owners would say “the kids did all the work” and use that as an excuse to not pay labourers.

labourers had long working hours for almost no pay. They faced racism, and violence when they asked for their wages to be on time. So they all rallied together and decided to advocate for daycare for their children, safe working conditions, and fair wages.

In response they were threatened with more violence. Their meagre belongings vandalized. But they were not afraid. Can you imagine our aunties and uncles, our bibis-without all the wealth and numbers we have now-decked out in their suits and sneakers marching down Robson

In 1980, these brilliant farm workers decided to form an official trade union-The Canadian Farmworkers Union. They elected Raj Chohan as their president.

This newly unionized community then got to work building cross community solidarity. Working with representatives from indigenous, Phillipino, and Mexican communities they formed the BC Organization to fight racism.

Punjabi union workers engaged with civil rights icon Ceasar Chavez, often inviting him to speak at their rallies. They learned a great deal. They understood that at the heart of activism is intercultural solidarity.

In this way from the 70’s to present day they bestowed BC with decades worth of history which at its heart is rooted in farming, and anti-racism.

If today you protest, you aren’t alone. These mighty leaders who came before you march with you. They made this space for you, they gave you the history to stand on and do this work confidently.

Today, on December 7th 2020, the first president of the Canadian Farm Workers Union, and co-creator of the BC Organization to Fight Racism, Raj Chohan created history once again. He got elected to be the first South Asian Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of BC.

Legends walk among us. We have history on these lands, and it is mighty.

Here is a link to a short documentary which contains incredible footage of the Punjabi community unionizing back in the 70’s

Here is a link to get you started on learning about the icon that is Caesar Chavez https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.history.com/.amp/topics/mexico/cesar-chavez

And most importantly here are pictures of them all. Including my personal hero Bibi Pritam Kaur ji singing boliya to rally the protestors if I never get to say it in real life, Bibi Ji: tuhadee baut baut mehrbani