REMEMBRANCE DAY: Canadian Soldier Sikhs: A Little Story in a Big War airs on OMNI Television

An archival photo of a Sikh soldier. Submitted photo

VANCOUVER DESI

A one-hour explorative documentary will reveal “the fascinating and untold story of Sikh immigrants who enlisted in the Canadian Army during the First World War,” claims a press release from OMNI Television.

Using archival footage, military records, war diaries, and letters, Canadian Soldier Sikhs: A Little Story in a Big War premieres this Remembrance Day, Sunday, Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. on the ethnic TV station.

“As the nation gathers to remember the great sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers, OMNI Television is proud to unveil this compelling story of men who battled on the front lines for Canada’s future, yet were denied basic rights of citizenship,” said Madeline Ziniak, National Vice President of OMNI, in the release.

“The stories told here remind Canadians of the many challenges faced by ethnocultural groups in the process of making Canada their home.”

Director David Gray (Searching for the Sikhs of Tod Inlet) inadvertently stumbled upon the captivating story of 10 Sikh soldiers who enlisted to fight for Canada in the First World War. The film goes back in time to observe the soldiers on their journey.

From the enlistment process and training, to their transport to France by ship and their return to civilian life, the documentary features the struggles these Sikh soldiers faced and the battles they fought.

Tags: Remembrance Day, Sikhs