Sikh Heritage Month Observed in Saskatchewan

Released on April 17, 2026

Sikh Heritage Month is being observed for the month of April in Saskatchewan and across Canada, providing an opportunity to celebrate the unique heritage of the Sikh community in Saskatchewan and learn more about their culture, traditions, and contributions in the areas of business, philanthropy, culture, arts and more.

"Saskatchewan is home to many different cultural and faith groups," Parks, Culture, and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. "Sikh Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of our Sikh community, and celebrate their unique heritage, alongside the many peoples that make up Saskatchewan.”

Vaisakhi is also celebrated in the month of April, this year on the 14th. Legislative Secretary for Saskatchewan-India Relations Brad Crassweller brought greetings on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan at a flag raising event in front of the Legislative Building organized by Sikh Society Regina, introduced members of the Sikh community in the Legislative Assembly, and recognized Sikh Heritage Month with a Member Statement. Vaisakhi marks the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 and the celebration of spring harvest.

"Vaisakhi marks the birth of the Khalsa, reminding Sikhs of our core duty to champion equality and stand firmly against injustice,” Sikh Society Regina Secretary Manmeet Singh said. “With the troubling rise in racism and intolerance we have seen recently, recognizing Sikh Heritage Month is more important than ever. It gives us a real opportunity to push back against that hate through education and open dialogue. By sharing our history and the values we live by, we can break down ignorance and work together to build a Saskatchewan where everyone feels safe, understood, and respected."

“Vaisakhi reminds us of the five virtues the Panj Pyaare gave their lives for: compassion, righteousness, courage, steadfastness, and grace,” Shaheed Sikh Society President Balpreet Singh said. “In Saskatchewan, we see these values lived out every day in our Langar halls (community kitchen), in our Seva (community service), and in the way our community members stands up for anyone in need. We are grateful to call Saskatchewan home and we welcome every neighbour, of every faith, to join us at Gurudwara Sahib this Vaisakhi.”

On Tuesday, the Government of Saskatchewan passed The From Many Peoples, Strength Act, which will create a new framework that eliminates the need for cultural and faith groups to request a formal proclamation each year. Instead, recognitions will be codified in law and automatically proclaimed each year under a unified framework.

"We have been working with nearly two dozen cultural and faith communities that are interested in participating," Minister Ross said. "Working with them is an essential part of the process, and our goal is to achieve broad representation.”

While The From Many Peoples, Strength Act will not come into effect until after Royal Assent, representatives of cultural and faith groups are encouraged to continue to submit proclamation requests through the existing process by contacting Minister Ross' office in the meantime.

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