VANCOUVER, BC (Asian independent) A landmark gathering of scholars, activists, and community leaders at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University has concluded with a powerful call to action: the total annihilation of caste-related barriers in North America. The Ambedkar Symposium on Emancipation (ASE2026), hosted by the Chetna Association of Canada with support and guidance of the various departments of scholars, activists, and community leaders highlighted the urgent need for legislative safeguards and social reform.
The Human Cost of Silence
While some suggest that caste discrimination is rare in Canada, the symposium brought to light staggering and tragic counter-evidence. During audience engagement sessions, it was revealed that at least three killings categorized as “honor killings” among South Asian Canadians were directly linked to women marrying outside of their caste ancestry. 
These accounts prompted a sobering question from the floor: “How many more deaths will it take before Canadian lawmakers realize the depth of the issue and enhance safeguards?” Dr. Moussa Magassa of Royal Mountain University added a global perspective, sharing his own harrowing experience of being denied a job opportunity in Senegal because of his caste. This highlights the international significance of caste, a phenomenon highlighted also in the public screening of the film “Origin” with UBC at Cinematheque.
Key Highlights & Institutional Shifts
Honoring a Trailblazer: Senator Baltej Dhillon was recognized for his historic courage in challenging RCMP policies, a move that dismantled barriers for himself and countless others. Cultural Resistance: Attendees were treated to a dance performance (by Naach India) of the Jai Bheem anthem and a discussion on Ava DuVernay’s film Origin, which explores the intersectionality of caste, race, and the Holocaust.
Lived Experiences: The “Caste in Canada” Project
A major focal point was the “Caste in Canada” project, led by Dr. Anne Murphy, with UBC Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Seema Mahi, hired with the support of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. The project utilizes oral histories to capture the lived experiences of those affected by caste. The voices of youth participants were particularly impactful, illustrating that caste-based beliefs are not just a relic of the past but a persisting challenge for the next generation.
A Roadmap for the Future
The symposium’s most tangible outcome was the unanimous support for the Emancipation Center, a research and community hub dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar.
A full report of the symposium will be prepared and posted at www.chetna.ca
