University of Calgary creating first-of-its-kind Sikh Studies program in Canada

The University of Calgary is collaborating with Alberta’s Sikh community to build a long-term Sikh Studies program at the post-secondary institution, which hopes to be the first of its kind in Canada.

The university’s plan is to create a three-year full-time appointment in Sikh Studies. They also hope to expand current course selection, further develop their research in this field, and help to create community engagement.

The longer-term goal is to establish a Chair of Sikh Studies at the University of Calgary. This would make the school a leader in its field by employing the only Chair in Canada with an exclusive focus on Sikh Studies.

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The Sikh Studies initiative aims to give students the tools to think about the Sikh worldview in both Canadian and global contexts. The program’s courses will help students to apply and embrace diversity, pluralism, and compassion for others.

The university is working with communities of scholars, Sikhs, and neighbours to ensure that they develop programming that stays relevant to a global framework.

UCalgary is home to a large and highly engaged Sikh community; however, the program will be open to all students, regardless of their background.

The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Arts has committed funds to develop this program, but the post-secondary institution is seeking an additional $250,000 of funding from the community.

Anyone interested in donating or learning more can visit the Sikh Studies’ Crowdfunding page.