Rare historic Sikh artifacts shown at Saskatchewan legislative building

Historic Sikh artifacts are showcased at the legislature, offering a rare glimpse into the community’s heritage. Damian Smith reports.

It was a notable day for the Sikh community in Saskatchewan on Wednesday, with historic artifacts on display at the Legislative building.

It includes various decrees, also known as “hukamnamas” from prominent Sikh leaders, as well as weapons used at various points throughout Sikh history, including shields, daggers and swords.

“These artifacts were used in the battlefields, like that sword used in the 17th century, after conquering Sirhind,” said Balpreet Singh, who is a member of the Shaheed Sikh Society of Saskatoon. “This is our culture, artifacts of those who remind us of our history.”

Bhai Buta Singh Ji is the keeper of the artifacts and is the 13th descendant of the original custodian of the guru’s gift repository, beginning with the sixth guru.

Translated in English, Singh Ji has brought the artifacts to other locations across Canada before but keeps them in India.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

“These artifacts have a personal touch from our sacred gurus, and these artifacts hold a really high respect in the hearts of Sikhs,” he said.

Among those displayed on Wednesday, these artifacts are a few of 150 artifacts that Bhai Buta Singh Ji has to take care of, and these artifacts displayed today were relevant from the years of 1614 to 1710.

According to Statistics Canada in their 2021 census, Sikhs make up 0.8 percent of Saskatchewan’s population.

Those in the community are grateful for having the chance to share their heritage in the legislative building, calling it a “once in lifetime opportunity”.

“If these artifacts are being shown at the legislative assembly, it shows the commitment of the government of Saskatchewan, how open and supporting they are to the other cultures,” said Jagmeet Singh, a member of Saskatoon Sikh community.

“I believe every legislative memory of those who have visited and seen this, felt that it took its great Sikh community and that it has a great history.”

The artifacts will make a brief stop in Saskatoon before returning to India.