Exhibition showcasing Sikh servicemen’s history comes to Manitoba

Archival records are seen at the launch event of “A Sikh Century of Service” exhibition at Maples Collegiate in Winnipeg on April 25, 2026. (Harrison Shin/CTV News Winnipeg)

An exhibition showcasing the history of Sikh servicemen made its way to Manitoba for the first time.

On Saturday, the Sikh Heritage Manitoba held an official launch event for A Sikh Century of Service: Stories of Sikh Army Veterans and Winnipeg’s Hidden History at Maples Collegiate.

The exhibition, presented by the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada and the Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha Foundation, highlighted the history of Sikh servicemen in Winnipeg and in Canada by showcasing artifacts, archival records and personal statements.

Hundreds of attendees – from children to elders – gathered to view the exhibition.

Saturday marked the first time the exhibition was being presented in Manitoba, said Prabhnoor Singh, the organization’s director of government relations.

“Sikh heritage is not just limited to the past 30, 40 years … Sikhs have been calling Winnipeg and Manitoba their home since as early as the 1910s – this is a fact that not many, including myself, know,” Singh said on Saturday.

Singh said there were 10 Sikh soldiers enlisted from Canada in the 1910s – two of them from Winnipeg.

“John Baboo Singh was a soldier that enlisted in the armed forces during the First World War and he actually enlisted in Winnipeg, Manitoba and lived on Henry Avenue.

“It’s one of those stories that’s not well known, so we’re trying to bring those stories to not only for the community but for the next generation as well.”

The main takeaway Singh hoped for attendees was to “feel inspired,” and “break the barriers.”

The organization is planning to bring the exhibition to other areas of the city, Singh said.