Embrace Your Culture | Harnoor Dhaliwal, Ottawa Gee-Gees
In honour of the inaugural Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Anti-Racism Awareness Week, individuals from our member institutions shared insights into their own cultural upbringing, how they continue to celebrate their culture, and why they feel it is important to learn about and embrace cultures other than their own.
Please describe what your own cultural upbringing was like?
I grew up as a first-generation Sikh in Brampton, Ontario. With my mother being very religious, I grew up following various cultural traditions, celebrated various holidays and significant moments in our history and was educated on the growth and history of our religion.
How has your cultural upbringing influenced you throughout your life?
My cultural upbringing has taught the importance of helping those who are less fortunate, treating all as equals, and being unique and taking pride in being Sikh.
Are there ways in which you continue to celebrate your culture?
I continue to celebrate my religion and my culture by educating my peers around me about our culture, and celebrating important days such as Vaisakhi, which celebrates the birth of our Khalsa (community).
Why do you feel it is important to embrace and celebrate your culture?
It is important to embrace your culture and religion to understand where you are from, and out of respect for those in your life who take great pride in that religion and live by that religion. Athletics are not taken seriously in our religion, as many believe that they do not posses natural physical tools or are discouraged by family members to focus energy elsewhere. This is why being one of two Sikh football players in the OUA is something that I take great pride in. I want to represent my community the right way!
Why do you feel it is important for people to learn about cultures other than their own?
I believe it is important to educate ourselves on other religions and cultures to better understand our peers. It is important to understand others’ values and what they stand for. This allows for us to engage in healthy respectful conversations.
