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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, April 17, 2015 | 26 Many not aware of Sikh community's contributions to Canada continued from p.23 "Finally, we are here because the town of Oakville is a progressive place that appreciates and acknowledges the contributions of its diverse Sikh residents." The reception was held in conjunction with a Sikh heritage exhibit already on displayed at Town Hall. It runs until today (Friday). The exhibit presented by the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada features photographs of Sikh men and women throughout Canadian history. Pardeep Singh Nagra, executive director at the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada, pointed out many Canadians aren't aware of the impact Sikh Canadians have had in building this country. "We're a pioneer community here in Canada," Nagra said. "We worked on the railroads, we worked in lumber mills, we owned lumber mills and yet in our history books, you've probably never seen a Canadian pioneer with a turban." In the First World War, 10 Sikh men from Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia volunteered to fight for Canada, a country that denied them citizenship. "Although these Sikh soldiers faced much criticism and prejudice, not even becoming citizens, it was the principles of Sikhism that led them to fight for justice and equality for all citizens across the world," said Khalon. Mayor Rob Burton said he hopes everyone in Oakville takes the time to see what he called "an eye-opening exhibit." "Any time the community learns about its nature and learns who is part of it and enlarges its knowledge of itself, a community grows stronger," said Burton. "Truly, in Oakville, we have very little if any division on ethnic basis and that's one of the things that makes us Canada's most liveable town, one of the things I'm most proud of," he added. Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris said there are more 200,000 members of the Sikh community who call Ontario home and through their hard work have contributed to the growth, strength and prosperity of the province. Naidoo-Harris said celebrations, like Sikh Heritage Month, when we acknowledge cultures and religious beliefs, makes our society richer. "Our Halton community is built on acceptance, diversity and understanding," she said, "and that moves us all forward and our children forward to building a stronger future for everyone." Royal tReatment pet gRooming Royal Treatment Welcomes Rachel of Bark+Fitz and Sharon of Kustom K-9 to our professional Groom team. New lower rates for our Groom your own facility. Unique boutique. Walk in nail clipping always only $10. Call today to book your favourite groomer. DIAMOND Create your dream o Compassionate g hiv ani Sag 20 Y Exper ears ience Visit our new dental office, conveniently located on the ground floor of the recently built Palermo Professional Centre (SE corner of Bronte Road and Dundas Street). We offer full Family Dental Services in our brand new, state-of-the-art office in a calm and relaxing environment. We are a paperless office and use digital x-rays. We welcome kids, teens, adults and seniors. NEW PATIENTS are welcome and we will accommodate your dental emergencies. We will directly bill your insurance company and offer convenient evening and weekend appointments. Call to book your appointment today 905-827-8700.Visit us at www.reflections-dental.ca FREE INSTALLATION SOmE ExcEpTIONS, pLEASE vISIT ShOwROOm FOR dETAILS. OFFER ExpIRES mARch 2015 MAY 31,31, 2015 Old Bronte Rd. Bronte Rd. www.aromakitchens.ca www.reflections-dental.ca 3rd Line 333 Wyecroft Rd., Unit 3, Oakville 905.844.3332 Free Estimates 2525 Old Bronte Road, Suite #130 Palermo Professional Centre (ground floor) ar Kitchen or Bathroom! www.royaltreatmentpetgrooming.ca 1380 Speers Rd. Unit 4, Oakville 905-847-7297 Comfort Friendly Spa-like l r. M ge aris n A ' aD Caring D r. S Relaxing Dundas St. W. Pine Glen Rd. 905-827-8700 è D N