Bonding through building
Ken Herar, The TimesPublished: Friday, May 15, 2009
As a diversity columnist, I have always strived to include various voices in my "artwork."
Broadening the scope of our discussion is essential to finding the perfect ingredients in establishing inclusiveness. Having commentary from different community members raises the bar to a higher level.
Last week, I had an interesting suggestion from someone. He said: "Ken, I want to see more of your stamp on your column."
What this individual was referring to was he wanted to hear more of my own expression instead of others. Well, I never felt so humbled. Someone actually wants to hear more from me - that's a first. I'll take that as a compliment, so thank you!
Incorporating a dialogue where several voices can be witnessed establishes a framework that diversity is much larger than one person or group of people.
It would be too easy for me just to submit my own voice in my music. Now, how boring would that be?
I have always made it a personal commitment to our readership to share the wealth and resources of our unique personalities. Also, for the record, I have never stirred away from putting my own priority mail postage stamp in my columns - that has always been to build an inclusive, diverse community.
Being selfish and creating a wall from the public would be a disaster. I find readers enjoy seeing their names in bold print and taking an interest in people's lives is empowering.
This takes me to my next example. The common question I receive on the streets is: How can I get involved in building an inclusive, diverse community?
Well, here are just a few of the recent and upcoming events:
- On April 25, the guys and gals at the Abbotsford Safeway store raised $1,000 for Special Olympics.
The employees sold cupcakes, roses and held several draws. The Canada Safeway Foundation will be matching every dollar raised for this worthy cause.
- Last Friday, the Cultural Diversity and Disabilities Conference was held at Cascade Community Church in Abbotsford.
The event was well attended and it was sponsored by the Focus Disability Network Society in Abbotsford, in partnership with Fraser Health, Abbotsford Mental Health and Addiction Advisory Committee and Vancity.
There were several breakout groups throughout the day that covered various diversity workshops.
- On May 22, at Blueridge Bar & Grill in Abbotsford support local mentorship programs by selling tickets ($13), which includes a burger, fries and a drink.
- On May 26, the Gladwin Language Learning Centre is having a roundtable discussion at their citizenship ceremony.
This is a fabulous opportunity to meet with new Canadians and students discussing their future roles as citizens. For more information contact Joan Berndt at the centre.
- On May 31, the second annual Run for Water is taking place in Abbotsford.
There will be five- and10-kilometre runs. The Abbotsford-Mission Times is one of the many proud sponsors.
By competing in this event you are helping villages in Ethiopia acquire clean drinking water. For more information contact info@runforwater.ca.
- The Ride to Conquer Cancer is happening June 20 and 21.
Several riders are cycling the two-day journey from Vancouver to Seattle. University of the Fraser Valley student Amanda Klassen is almost halfway there to meet her fundraising goal to conquer this ugly disease. Join her team by e-mailing her at mandy_klassen@hotmail.com.
Award-winning columnist Ken Herar's On The Edge will be a regular Friday feature in the Abbotsford-Mission Times and Mission Extra every month. To comment, e-mail him at KenHerar@gmail.com, or letters@abbotsfordtimes.com.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Celebrating 10 years as a Columnist..
Years of exploring cultural issues:
By KEN HERAR
This week I am celebrating my 10th year anniversary as a columnist with the North American award-winning Abbotsford News. Burning the midnight oil has become a lifestyle for me and some of my most creative thoughts have been made in the early morning hours. These years have slipped by quickly and I hope to go another 10 years, which may be difficult to do. I would like to thank readers for all their positive comments which have made me flourish as a writer and individual. Ten years ago, I was sitting watching television and I thought to myself wouldn't it be a great idea to write a column for the local paper. I phoned former editor Gord Kurenoff and he loved the idea. Earlier, I thought I was heading toward rejection on my proposal. I spoke with him last year to thank him for the opportunity and he replied: Ken you hit a homerun buddy, keep going." My first column appeared on June 24, 1995 and the headline read: Tradition, trends can mix." A decade later, I still feel passionate about column-writing. The only thing that has changed is my picture. The first column was about how Canadian society encourages people to practice their culture and the benefits of a multicultural community. One of the reasons I was offered to write this column is I wanted to provide insight into Indo -Canadian culture. I wanted to show how we can relate more effectively to break down barriers. Over the 10 years, I believe we have made real progress in many areas and discussed several important issues that needed to be addressed in our community. This column wasn't about meeting the rich and famous, it was about common people who make our community better. My parents Tok and Kuldip gave me support when I started writing this column. Dad expressed caution at the beginning but is proud of the fact that I have taken a leadership role and have stayed committed to the project. This week he was awarded a 50-year pin for perfect attendance in Rotary. It's an example of his commitment to the community. My parents are role models in my eyes and through their experiences they have taught me things that I have shared with you as readers. My Dad has always taught me community involvement is important in making a difference. My Mom is the nurturer in the family who taught me to respect everyone regardless what they do for an occupation and think of others before yourself. She is also receiving a community award in the fall for her work in Mission. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to write this column and I tip my hat to editor Rick Rake and his staff for allowing this to happen. Rick has been a great colleague and at times my most stinging critic, making me work harder to become a better writer. I have reached a milestone, and this column is a keeper for me because it's been a decade of fun and challenges. What I have learned from this exercise is that anything is possible you have to stay committed to see results. As we move forward there is no looking back as to what could have been but more importantly what could be.
KenHerar@gmail.com
By KEN HERAR
This week I am celebrating my 10th year anniversary as a columnist with the North American award-winning Abbotsford News. Burning the midnight oil has become a lifestyle for me and some of my most creative thoughts have been made in the early morning hours. These years have slipped by quickly and I hope to go another 10 years, which may be difficult to do. I would like to thank readers for all their positive comments which have made me flourish as a writer and individual. Ten years ago, I was sitting watching television and I thought to myself wouldn't it be a great idea to write a column for the local paper. I phoned former editor Gord Kurenoff and he loved the idea. Earlier, I thought I was heading toward rejection on my proposal. I spoke with him last year to thank him for the opportunity and he replied: Ken you hit a homerun buddy, keep going." My first column appeared on June 24, 1995 and the headline read: Tradition, trends can mix." A decade later, I still feel passionate about column-writing. The only thing that has changed is my picture. The first column was about how Canadian society encourages people to practice their culture and the benefits of a multicultural community. One of the reasons I was offered to write this column is I wanted to provide insight into Indo -Canadian culture. I wanted to show how we can relate more effectively to break down barriers. Over the 10 years, I believe we have made real progress in many areas and discussed several important issues that needed to be addressed in our community. This column wasn't about meeting the rich and famous, it was about common people who make our community better. My parents Tok and Kuldip gave me support when I started writing this column. Dad expressed caution at the beginning but is proud of the fact that I have taken a leadership role and have stayed committed to the project. This week he was awarded a 50-year pin for perfect attendance in Rotary. It's an example of his commitment to the community. My parents are role models in my eyes and through their experiences they have taught me things that I have shared with you as readers. My Dad has always taught me community involvement is important in making a difference. My Mom is the nurturer in the family who taught me to respect everyone regardless what they do for an occupation and think of others before yourself. She is also receiving a community award in the fall for her work in Mission. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to write this column and I tip my hat to editor Rick Rake and his staff for allowing this to happen. Rick has been a great colleague and at times my most stinging critic, making me work harder to become a better writer. I have reached a milestone, and this column is a keeper for me because it's been a decade of fun and challenges. What I have learned from this exercise is that anything is possible you have to stay committed to see results. As we move forward there is no looking back as to what could have been but more importantly what could be.
KenHerar@gmail.com
Sports Injuries...
For the past year I coped with a sports-related injury that affected my mobility on and off the tennis court.
The injury was tougher than any opponent I faced, and it simply wouldn't go away.
Playing competitive sports, I realize, has some bearing on my muscles and joints.
And one afternoon while training in the gym, I heard a "pop" in my right calf and had to stop running immediately.
I tried walking around a bit trying to shake it off. I thought I pulled my calf muscle and had a good warm-up.
I went home in great pain, but I thought the pain would subside in a few days. A month passed and nothing changed. My right leg experienced enormous stiffness and tightness that prevented me from participating in any physical activities.
My doctor advised me to keep stretching and to apply heat rub, but to no avail.
I went back to the doctor and had an MRI scan done on the leg and everything came back negative.
I thought I might need an operation because I had my left knee scoped. The physician told me to keep stretching and it would get better. I felt a bit discouraged at this point because nothing seemed to work and I thought my competitive tennis playing days were over.
An injury not only affects your physical health it also affects your mental health.
However, through the advice of friends, I went to a local chiropractor who specializes in sports injuries. After a couple of treatments with him my injury slowly disappeared. I felt I was given a second chance, and I resumed playing tennis because I had no pain.
Dr. Todd Marshall from Sumas Mountain Chiropractic treated my injury and told me he treats this kind of ailment 20 times a week. The injury was called popliteal tendonitis and it is located above the calf area.
He said popliteal tendonitis is the No. 1 misdiagnosed knee injury, adding that it is very common in recreational athletes and often presents like medial knee strains and/or pain under the kneecap(patellofemoral syndrome).
Treating it is very simple and straight-forward, but a proper diagnosis is required. Treating it involves myofascial techniques like ART (active release technique) to clear it up..
"As people increase there activity levels in the summer it is important to get these kinks dealt quickly so they can get back to the activities one enjoys," said Marshall.The doctor arrived in Abbotsford from Richmond in 1999 and opened his practice.
He said muscle tissue is the "primary problem. If you don't address the problem it doesn't get better."
What I have learned from this experience is it is important to get different opinions from various medical professionals.
In my case if I had known this was the problem I could have dealt with it sooner. There is a myth out there that chiropractic treatment doesn't work.
Marshall acknowledges this is false due to what he says is a lack of education in the public and within the medical field.
I was suffering a physical setback for awhile, but I look forward to the sporting challenges this summer. I am participating in my first tennis tournament in two years this weekend in Delta and hopefully climbing the challenging, 5,000 step Grouse Grind this summer.
Take a bow, Todd.
KenHerar@gmail.com
The injury was tougher than any opponent I faced, and it simply wouldn't go away.
Playing competitive sports, I realize, has some bearing on my muscles and joints.
And one afternoon while training in the gym, I heard a "pop" in my right calf and had to stop running immediately.
I tried walking around a bit trying to shake it off. I thought I pulled my calf muscle and had a good warm-up.
I went home in great pain, but I thought the pain would subside in a few days. A month passed and nothing changed. My right leg experienced enormous stiffness and tightness that prevented me from participating in any physical activities.
My doctor advised me to keep stretching and to apply heat rub, but to no avail.
I went back to the doctor and had an MRI scan done on the leg and everything came back negative.
I thought I might need an operation because I had my left knee scoped. The physician told me to keep stretching and it would get better. I felt a bit discouraged at this point because nothing seemed to work and I thought my competitive tennis playing days were over.
An injury not only affects your physical health it also affects your mental health.
However, through the advice of friends, I went to a local chiropractor who specializes in sports injuries. After a couple of treatments with him my injury slowly disappeared. I felt I was given a second chance, and I resumed playing tennis because I had no pain.
Dr. Todd Marshall from Sumas Mountain Chiropractic treated my injury and told me he treats this kind of ailment 20 times a week. The injury was called popliteal tendonitis and it is located above the calf area.
He said popliteal tendonitis is the No. 1 misdiagnosed knee injury, adding that it is very common in recreational athletes and often presents like medial knee strains and/or pain under the kneecap(patellofemoral syndrome).
Treating it is very simple and straight-forward, but a proper diagnosis is required. Treating it involves myofascial techniques like ART (active release technique) to clear it up..
"As people increase there activity levels in the summer it is important to get these kinks dealt quickly so they can get back to the activities one enjoys," said Marshall.The doctor arrived in Abbotsford from Richmond in 1999 and opened his practice.
He said muscle tissue is the "primary problem. If you don't address the problem it doesn't get better."
What I have learned from this experience is it is important to get different opinions from various medical professionals.
In my case if I had known this was the problem I could have dealt with it sooner. There is a myth out there that chiropractic treatment doesn't work.
Marshall acknowledges this is false due to what he says is a lack of education in the public and within the medical field.
I was suffering a physical setback for awhile, but I look forward to the sporting challenges this summer. I am participating in my first tennis tournament in two years this weekend in Delta and hopefully climbing the challenging, 5,000 step Grouse Grind this summer.
Take a bow, Todd.
KenHerar@gmail.com
Grouse Grind..
09 2005Stop talking, start walking
By KEN HERAROn Wednesday, I climbed the gruelling, 5,000-step Grouse Grind in Vancouver for the first time in two years.I've been putting off challenging myself on the 2.9 km trek for some time. The Grind is more than just any hill, it's a stairway that challenges the mind and body. It's no stairway to heaven, it's more like hardcore training.Going to the gym and playing tennis like I do doesn't guarantee you'll be in great shape to finish the climb.It takes a certain technique and mindset to master this challenge.I felt a bit of pressure to complete it because our own Abbotsford News editor and Abbotsford In Motion program ambassador Rick Rake was successful climbing the Grind twice last year. He even bought a T-shirt saying:, I survived the Grouse Grind" just to let people like me know that you don't have to be super human to complete the challenge.He doesn't make a big deal about his finishing time, but I am sure it did not set any international records!This week I decided it was time to stop the talking and do the walking.After paying my $3 parking fee when I arrived in North Vancouver, I prepared myself by doing some light stretching at the bottom of the hill.A big sign read there had been a black bear sighting near the area, but that did not deter climbers from going up. I know from past experiences a good pair of running shoes or hiking shoes is highly recommended to handle the rocky terrain.A small backpack to put an extra shirt and your water bottle is also handy. The Grind on this day was busy with many tourists, but it was not crowded. The weather was overcast and the temperature was relatively cool.There are four sections to the Grind, and each one presents different challenges.At the start, I pressed the button on my stopwatch and I was off. In the first few minutes I was okay, and then after about five minutes my heart was pumping madly. I knew then this climb was going to be memorable.Completing the climb alone seems tougher than with a partner who can motive you or distract you from the pain. The first quarter was tough. It featured many aggressive inclines, but I managed to do it in 32 minutes - an average pace. The hill presented many more hurdles in the second quarter, and I was feeling weak in my legs.I was worried that I wasn't going to make it.I stopped several times to regain my composure and my breathing pattern.I reached midpoint at 55 minutes and decided to sit and watch the clusters of climbers for awhile. For the most part Grind-goers are polite and encourage each other to keep going. I told myself not to worry about my finish time, just to keep focused on the hill.In the third quarter I got my second wind and mentally prepared myself for the last and toughest quarter.The Grind has many sharp turns and long steps that made me stretch my legs. I eventually could see the open space at the top of the mountain, which meant I was getting close to the end. When I reached the summit after one hour and 44 minutes (compared to one hour and 10 minutes a few years ago), I was nearly crawling on all fours and was physically exhausted. I had no water left in my bottle. I felt I needed to see a chiropractor because everything seemed out of whack from head to toe. I remember my friend telling me a few years ago that the Grind was like doing a Stair-master. I know the Grind is no exercise machine.When it came time to purchase the $5 ticket for the down ride on the Grouse Mountain gondola, I couldn't wait to go home. I urge all of you who are going to attempt this adventure to prepare yourself physically and take a friend for support. The Grind opens at 6:15 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. each day during the summer.Besides, like the Abbotsford In Motion physical fitness program tells you, the exercise is good for you.
KenHerar@gmail.com
By KEN HERAROn Wednesday, I climbed the gruelling, 5,000-step Grouse Grind in Vancouver for the first time in two years.I've been putting off challenging myself on the 2.9 km trek for some time. The Grind is more than just any hill, it's a stairway that challenges the mind and body. It's no stairway to heaven, it's more like hardcore training.Going to the gym and playing tennis like I do doesn't guarantee you'll be in great shape to finish the climb.It takes a certain technique and mindset to master this challenge.I felt a bit of pressure to complete it because our own Abbotsford News editor and Abbotsford In Motion program ambassador Rick Rake was successful climbing the Grind twice last year. He even bought a T-shirt saying:, I survived the Grouse Grind" just to let people like me know that you don't have to be super human to complete the challenge.He doesn't make a big deal about his finishing time, but I am sure it did not set any international records!This week I decided it was time to stop the talking and do the walking.After paying my $3 parking fee when I arrived in North Vancouver, I prepared myself by doing some light stretching at the bottom of the hill.A big sign read there had been a black bear sighting near the area, but that did not deter climbers from going up. I know from past experiences a good pair of running shoes or hiking shoes is highly recommended to handle the rocky terrain.A small backpack to put an extra shirt and your water bottle is also handy. The Grind on this day was busy with many tourists, but it was not crowded. The weather was overcast and the temperature was relatively cool.There are four sections to the Grind, and each one presents different challenges.At the start, I pressed the button on my stopwatch and I was off. In the first few minutes I was okay, and then after about five minutes my heart was pumping madly. I knew then this climb was going to be memorable.Completing the climb alone seems tougher than with a partner who can motive you or distract you from the pain. The first quarter was tough. It featured many aggressive inclines, but I managed to do it in 32 minutes - an average pace. The hill presented many more hurdles in the second quarter, and I was feeling weak in my legs.I was worried that I wasn't going to make it.I stopped several times to regain my composure and my breathing pattern.I reached midpoint at 55 minutes and decided to sit and watch the clusters of climbers for awhile. For the most part Grind-goers are polite and encourage each other to keep going. I told myself not to worry about my finish time, just to keep focused on the hill.In the third quarter I got my second wind and mentally prepared myself for the last and toughest quarter.The Grind has many sharp turns and long steps that made me stretch my legs. I eventually could see the open space at the top of the mountain, which meant I was getting close to the end. When I reached the summit after one hour and 44 minutes (compared to one hour and 10 minutes a few years ago), I was nearly crawling on all fours and was physically exhausted. I had no water left in my bottle. I felt I needed to see a chiropractor because everything seemed out of whack from head to toe. I remember my friend telling me a few years ago that the Grind was like doing a Stair-master. I know the Grind is no exercise machine.When it came time to purchase the $5 ticket for the down ride on the Grouse Mountain gondola, I couldn't wait to go home. I urge all of you who are going to attempt this adventure to prepare yourself physically and take a friend for support. The Grind opens at 6:15 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. each day during the summer.Besides, like the Abbotsford In Motion physical fitness program tells you, the exercise is good for you.
KenHerar@gmail.com
Sikh Temple Construction..
Aug 06 2005Temple lifted, new foundation set
JOHN VAN PUTTEN PHOTOS / The Abbotsford News
Khalsa Diwan Society president Nirmal Sanghera looks over foundation work for old Sikh Temple in Abbotsford which is being restored to its 1911 glory by the end of the year.By KEN HERARConstruction is underway on the 94-year-old Sikh Temple on South Fraser Way.It was just a year ago I told you in this space about preparations to preserve the historic site.As you drive by you can see that certain portions of the building have been elevated and work has begun to stabilize them.Two years ago former prime minister Jean Chretien arrived in Abbotsford to announce that the temple would be designated as a national historic site in Canada.A year later former federal heritage minister Sheila Copps came to announce government funding for the preservation of this building. The estimated cost to bring the temple to its original 1911 form is estimated at $1.2 million.Site supervisor Iqbal Braich and Khalsa Diwan Society President Nirmal Sanghera took me on a tour of the facility to see the progress.From the side entrance across from Red Robin, the northwest side of the temple is jacked up by beams under which a new foundations is being prepared.The building was starting to lean to one side, making it unstable and dangerous. This is the reason the federal government got involved in the project.When workers started to dig around the back of the building they found five layers of pavement and sawdust which made the ground fragile.The building had to be raised immediately and the dirt and sawdust removed for the new foundation before actual construction could start, said Braich."The building had to be secure before we could send people in," he said. Some 290 truckloads of dirt were removed from the site. Seismic upgrades will be completed on the building. For example, two chimneys will have steel beams running inside them, making them earthquake-proof.The next phase of the project is due to start this month when restoration on the building begins. That work includes structural repairs, stripping of paints and resurfacing the sides of the building.During this phase federal government funding will be used to repair the temple.The Khalsa Diwan Society and private contributors have funded the site preparation for the project.Work on the main water, sewer and storm lines is completed. A new cement retaining wall has been put at the back of the property to protect neighbouring properties during construction.Chet Construction of Abbotsford donated machinery time and Khalsa Diwan Society president Nirmal Sanghera said he is thankful for the contribution.The project, which started in February of this year, is due to finish on time at the end of the year. Delays are owing to the lack of special tradespeople. "We would welcome any volunteer services to help us finish," said Sanghera.Once the project is complete the temple will look exactly as it did in 1911 with all the same window fixtures and doors. The temple's lower floor will be home to the first Sikh museum in North America.People will still able to pray on the upper floor.The west side of the property will be used for parking and the top east side will be used as a courtyard. The project will also feature a visitor's centre and washrooms, located at the back of the building.I was moved by the hour-long tour of the temple this week. The place holds many special memories for me.When I was just a kid when my cousin got married there.The temple has served us with respect and in turn we must show the same consideration.
KenHerar@gmail.com
Gang Issues...
Jan 31 2006Local researcher studies South Asian gangs
By KEN HERARA University College of the Fraser Valley graduate who did a year-long exploratory study for one of his Criminology classes at UCFV is gaining attention with academics and law enforcement professionals.The study was called "The Development and Characteristics of South Asian Gangs," which provided an insight into the dark world of South Asian Gangs in theory.The South Asian gang culture is a growing concern for law enforcement. It has left many victims.Harjit Singh who graduated with his degree in Criminology from UCFV in 2004 and is now doing his masters in Criminology at Simon Fraser University, is hoping to teach at the university level with the focus on research that would assist minority communities in the aspect of social change.Singh is also part of the Group of Ten Task Force to combat South Asian youth violence, which started last September."This study was necessary due to the lack of information on South Asian gangs, and it is the first systematic research that takes into account the views of actual gang members," said Singh.This project was conducted under the guidance of UCFV Criminology instructors Darryl Plecas and Terry Waterhouse who provided assistance in structure, writing and methodology.The study was conducted in 2003, and it compared American minority gangs (Afro-American, Hispanics and Orientals) in terms of their development, characteristics and activities, with what we would find in South Asian gangs in B.C.American minority gangs commonly come from ghetto-ized environments. Members are generally marginalized, they lack both family support network and the opportunities to succeed legitimately.One aspect that is noticeable is the presence of a decades-old gang culture that is firmly entrenched within certain cities in the United States.South Asian gangs have a few similarities and a few glaring differences from American gangs."The major differences are in the background, reasons for joining and development of these gangs," explained Singh. "We should look at the South Asian community as a stratified one, rather than looking at it as a whole. The reason for this is because we found three main subsets of gang members, each with their own unique characteristics."He also said the background of South Asian members is much more varied than the American findings. South Asian gang members will come from middle to upper class families with extensive social support networks."A surprising finding was the same social support network that is used by the mainstream members of the community is also used by the gang members to make contacts," explained Singh. "There may be an older brother, cousin or family friend involved in that lifestyle, and this makes it easier to get involved."Singh also found that South Asian gangs differ in size and structure from American-style gangs. They are relatively small with five to seven core members, and they operate in a loose hierarchy.There is no initiation ritual or symbol or colors. They are early in development and could be categorized as a "level one" gang, which consist of one unit and loose structure with the members functioning as a small organization without rules.Singh remains optimistic about the changes occurring to combat this issue. He also is looking to put the study under review for publication to make it accessible to the general public.Plecas speaks highly of Singh's studies."Harjit's outstanding work constitutes a significant contribution to our understanding of the development and character of South Asian gang activity," he said."His work is really the first scholarly attempt to articulate why and how young people find their way into South Asian gangs and stay there. He does a brilliant job of showing how the development, structure, and character of South Asian gangs here can be distinguished from the history of minority gangs in the US, and from traditional organized crime gangs."Plecas acknowledges the most important part of Singh's work is that which considers how would-be gang members come to misinterpret the Sikh faith, and how they otherwise come to develop a misguided sense of what qualities deserve respect.I am tempted to say that if the South Asian community took what Harjit has studied to heart, we wouldn't have a South Asian gang problem
By KEN HERARA University College of the Fraser Valley graduate who did a year-long exploratory study for one of his Criminology classes at UCFV is gaining attention with academics and law enforcement professionals.The study was called "The Development and Characteristics of South Asian Gangs," which provided an insight into the dark world of South Asian Gangs in theory.The South Asian gang culture is a growing concern for law enforcement. It has left many victims.Harjit Singh who graduated with his degree in Criminology from UCFV in 2004 and is now doing his masters in Criminology at Simon Fraser University, is hoping to teach at the university level with the focus on research that would assist minority communities in the aspect of social change.Singh is also part of the Group of Ten Task Force to combat South Asian youth violence, which started last September."This study was necessary due to the lack of information on South Asian gangs, and it is the first systematic research that takes into account the views of actual gang members," said Singh.This project was conducted under the guidance of UCFV Criminology instructors Darryl Plecas and Terry Waterhouse who provided assistance in structure, writing and methodology.The study was conducted in 2003, and it compared American minority gangs (Afro-American, Hispanics and Orientals) in terms of their development, characteristics and activities, with what we would find in South Asian gangs in B.C.American minority gangs commonly come from ghetto-ized environments. Members are generally marginalized, they lack both family support network and the opportunities to succeed legitimately.One aspect that is noticeable is the presence of a decades-old gang culture that is firmly entrenched within certain cities in the United States.South Asian gangs have a few similarities and a few glaring differences from American gangs."The major differences are in the background, reasons for joining and development of these gangs," explained Singh. "We should look at the South Asian community as a stratified one, rather than looking at it as a whole. The reason for this is because we found three main subsets of gang members, each with their own unique characteristics."He also said the background of South Asian members is much more varied than the American findings. South Asian gang members will come from middle to upper class families with extensive social support networks."A surprising finding was the same social support network that is used by the mainstream members of the community is also used by the gang members to make contacts," explained Singh. "There may be an older brother, cousin or family friend involved in that lifestyle, and this makes it easier to get involved."Singh also found that South Asian gangs differ in size and structure from American-style gangs. They are relatively small with five to seven core members, and they operate in a loose hierarchy.There is no initiation ritual or symbol or colors. They are early in development and could be categorized as a "level one" gang, which consist of one unit and loose structure with the members functioning as a small organization without rules.Singh remains optimistic about the changes occurring to combat this issue. He also is looking to put the study under review for publication to make it accessible to the general public.Plecas speaks highly of Singh's studies."Harjit's outstanding work constitutes a significant contribution to our understanding of the development and character of South Asian gang activity," he said."His work is really the first scholarly attempt to articulate why and how young people find their way into South Asian gangs and stay there. He does a brilliant job of showing how the development, structure, and character of South Asian gangs here can be distinguished from the history of minority gangs in the US, and from traditional organized crime gangs."Plecas acknowledges the most important part of Singh's work is that which considers how would-be gang members come to misinterpret the Sikh faith, and how they otherwise come to develop a misguided sense of what qualities deserve respect.I am tempted to say that if the South Asian community took what Harjit has studied to heart, we wouldn't have a South Asian gang problem
My Hometown of Mission..
Let’s talk about my hometown of Mission. It’s one of the fastest-growing communities in British Columbia and is a progressive multicultural community that overlooks the mighty Fraser River.Mission shares many similarities with North Vancouver and may become the next British Properties of the Fraser Valley. I have never seen the confidence higher with people looking to relocate here and invest. Mission struggled economically for decades with a disproportionate tax base. Formally a mill town Mission had a reputation of being a closed community. It carried this stigma for decades, affecting the business spirit. Local politicians wanted to keep the community small, and that had consequences. Being underdeveloped meant going elsewhere for services. When Highway 1 was built on the south side of the Fraser, many businesses and people moved, redefining how business would be done in the Central Fraser Valley. When the Mission Bridge was completed, replacing the old CPR Bridge, it created further challenges. It encouraged residents to flock to Abbotsford. Mission greatest strength became its biggest weakness.The time has come for Mission to stand up and capture the imagination of people. The gateway to the future has arrived. Mission is no longer a bedroom community or a second class community. Look in your real estate section. There have been difficult decisions by city council and anti-development groups have come out of the woodwork opposing everything they can get there hands on. They have failed in their attempts and destroyed their credibility in the process.Former Mission mayors Randy Hawes and Abe Neufeld have set a strong foundation on where this community is heading. With the waterfront property waiting in the wings compared to Granville Island or Seattle’s Fish Market, Mission will become a destination for tourists.Abbotsford with the airport and Mission with this waterfront will make this region an international destination.It doesn’t stop there. Maple Ridge- Mission MLA Randy Hawes said he “is working hard with the minister and ministry to have full completion of the Lougheed Hwy hopefully to Mission’s doorstep by 2009.”To celebrate this renewed energy a new logo, “Mission on the River” has been unveiled.If former B.C. Premier W.A.C. Bennett was alive, he would be impressed.Mission has a population of approximately 37,000 and room to grow. According to statistics Mission ranked fourth last year in B.C. in growth with communities with populations in the area of 30,000.Residential starts were the highest ever in 2005 with 356. Mission population is gradually increasing at a rate of two per cent a year with the population reaching 45,000 in 2011 and 72,000 in 2031. The current average house price is $341,000, up $60,000 from 2005.The District of Mission has undertaken a review of the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw to find balance with growth.Mission Mayor James Atebe said the “document will set a five to 10-year vision in all aspects of the community. Complete communities must require not only places to live, but also places to shop, play and places to work. Council has placed a strong focus on building on existing commercial and industrial land base and other employment opportunities.”.Mission Economic Development Officer Kevin Poole said “with demand for industrial land in the Lower Mainland being at an all time high, activity in Mission has picked up significantly over the past six months. The Silver Creek Industrial Park, located just south of the Lougheed Highway has eight of 20 lots sold with seven additional lots under contract.” Poole said Mission has had virtually zero vacancy when it comes to existing industrial space. “This new space will give us the opportunity to attract new employers, which will create new job opportunities for residents,” said Poole.The BC Senior Games will be in Abbotsford next week and the time has come for Mission to apply to be a host. If you live in an underdeveloped community you lose the spirit of community. Come and explore your possibilities in Mission.
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