Why YEGsthan?
"YEG" is the airport code for Edmonton International Airport and has recently become a popular shorthand for the city itself. The term "sthan," derived from Sanskrit, means "place." Together, they form YEGsthan—our endeavor to placekeep Edmonton’s rich heritage stories.
This page is a place to capture the narratives and document the significant
contributions of South Asian communities to Edmonton. South Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and its diaspora communities worldwide.
Since the late 1800s, South Asians have been a part of Canada's fabric, with many calling Alberta home since the early 1900s. Here at YEGsthan, we bring these stories to the forefront, exploring the deep, interconnected roots that have supported and enriched the Canadian cultural landscape.
Stories of Amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ
also known as Edmonton
Upcoming Event
Soni Dasmohapatra has been invited by Dr. Yasmeen Abu-Laban to organize and lead a special bus tour as part of the Canadian Ethnic Studies Association 2024 Conference. This exclusive tour will take participants through some of Edmonton's most historically and culturally significant areas, including Whyte Avenue and Mill Woods.
The tour will highlight the political, economic, and social dynamics that have shaped these urban spaces, sharing the stories of early South Asian pioneers like Sohan Singh Bhullar and the city’s ward renaming process, which honours Indigenous communities.
Watch the video below for highlights from the 2024 History and Culture tour in celebration of Asian Heritage Month.
Canadian Ethnic Studies Association 2024 Conference Mill Wood Bus Tour
Private Event – November 14, 2024
Explore more of Mill Woods' history and culture:
Soni joins the hosts of the "Let’s Find Out" podcast to discuss the naming of Sohan Singh Bhullar Park, which commemorates the contributions of the South Asian community to Edmonton.
The episode explores the historical context of the South Asian community in Edmonton, including their struggles, achievements, and the significance of honouring such individuals through public spaces like parks. It delves into the importance of acknowledging the contributions of these early settlers in shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
