ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ

This space is a timeless digital forum in which text information, audio, and video can all be displayed and stored in a singular space, which is the reason I created a website to host this project. During this process, I wanted to ensure that the website was also accessible for Punjabi-readers so, I ensured the website was both in English and Punjabi (excluding audio and some text due to untranslatability). My final project focuses on reappropriating cultural aspects as it means to be a first-generation Punjabi-Canadian. I developed spaces (different sections) in which tackle some of the many microaggressions such as: language, food and dressing attire in which the Punjabi community face within Canada. While curating this project I realized that there was/is a lot of internalized racism not only within myself but, from Punjabi families/community (reflecting on experiences and narratives growing up) in which comes with these microaggression so, I wanted to create a space in which discuss these struggles and issues but also, celebrates what it means to embrace the very aspects that make our identities unique as Punjabi-Canadians.

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For this project, I acknowledge my privilege in order to create and present the multilayers of microaggressions in which the Punjabi community (and in specific first-generation Punjabi-Canadians) reside within. I acknowledge the artistic approach in which showcases a singular and individual approach and (very personal one as well), does not and cannot entirely speak on behalf of the Punjabi community. This space is to take responsibility to dismantle white supremacist views and thoughts. During this process of articulating experiential knowledge, there was a lot of self-reflection also done and my approach was inspired by Lee Maracle’s Memory Serves where she curated first, a space for Indigenous folks, and allowed others to “listen in”. My process working throughout this project was asking myself questions like “how often do I think about race and my Punjabi heritage?”, “how does my racial identity (or being first-generation Punjabi-Canadian) influence my behaviours and thought process?” and on a communal level “how does whiteness impact the Punjabi community in Canada?”. I was also inspired to take on an artistic and multilayer approach from Until we are Free with their dialogue being a contribution for racial justice. Overall, I have learned a lot from curating this project not only for this course time period but, to continue to do inner work and learning moving forward using the resources from this term.