Komagata Maru remembrance this weekend in Surrey
The Komagata Maru Heritage Foundation is hosting a remembrance to mark the 97th anniversary of the departure of the Komagata Maru from Vancouver.
Speakers at Bear Creek Pavilion on July 23 will share brief a history and stories of the Komagata Maru incident and a candlelight vigil will follow.
The July 23, 1914 incident involved the arrival of 376 emigrants from India aboard the ship Komagata Maru who were barred entry to Canada, despite the fact they all had valid passports. The vessel sat in Burrard Inlet for weeks, with its human cargo deprived of food and water by authorities hoping to weaken their resolve. Passengers attempted to fight the racist immigration policies keeping them from shore, but all except a handful were ultimately deported two months after their arrival.
The Saturday event will also collect food and monetary donations benefitting the Surrey Food Bank. The remembrance is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at 13700 88 Ave.
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