This week on Ask A Historian, Matthew Wilkinson continues his fascinating conversation with guest Pardeep Singh Nagra , Executive Director, Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada, as they discuss Sikh Canadians and their contributions to Canada both past and present in this two part episode.

Located in Malton, the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada (SHMC) is dedicated to advancing and promoting knowledge, understanding, and preservation of the cultural and religious life of Sikh Canadians through top-quality museum exhibits, lectures, and special programs.

Most importantly, the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada has become a strong community partner in educating Canadians about the history of Sikhs through SHMC exhibits, lectures, and events. The SHMC has collaborated and partnered with over 28 local, national, and international organizations and institutions.

Pardeep Singh Nagra enjoys collecting antique cars and riding motorcycles. He voluntary serves as director of the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada and is an avid historian and artefact collector, including over 2000 Sikh toy soldiers. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and is committed to reconciliation. His love of the three strip brand and sports had led to many interesting athletic accomplishments, including being a high school tennis champion, elite ball hockey player, qualifying for the Boston Marathon, and being a National level boxer for which a Hollywood movie (Tiger) was produced based on his journey. You may be interested to know he specializes in employee engagement, inclusive workplace strategies, equity, human rights and diversity work with emphasis on leadership and mentoring of Indigenous, Black and People of Colour.

Pardeep’s interest in charitable, community spirit, and humanitarian work has touched the lives of many people and communities over an extended period of time. His work and service has been recognized and valued as he was the recipient of the YMCA Canada Peace Medal, University of Toronto Arbor Award, Region of Peel Chair’s Award for community service, Auxiliary Constable of the Year with Peel Regional Police, and recently the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

#ApartTogether we celebrate the historic museums throughout Mississauga for #MuseumMonth!


You are invited to email us questions you have about Mississauga and we encourage you to send a short (less than 1 minute) MP4 video of your question, which we may feature in one of our “Ask a Historian” videos.

Any questions not featured in our videos will receive a written response from Matthew.

We would also love to feature questions from young Mississauga residents who are curious about their city and will feature a dedicated video to these inquisitive kids.

Send your questions to us at: [email protected]