In 1908, amidst rising racial tension, the Canadian Government devised a plan to forcibly transport all South Asian immigrants from British Columbia to Honduras.
In response, the South Asian community, led by Teja Singh, negotiated the purchase of 152 acres of land in West Vancouver to establish an agricultural colony. The land, parts of which are shown in the background in the picture above, was located between Skunk (Caulfeild) Cove and the Great Northern Cannery. Ultimately it was not purchased due to “unforeseen obstacles.”
Despite this, continued resistance from the South Asian community eventually foiled the so called “British Honduras Scheme.”
Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to plan your visit to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, now open at 115 West Esplanade in The Shipyards.
Currently, MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver, at 3203 Institute Road in Lynn Valley, is open by appointment only. Contact: [email protected]
Navigate culture on the North Shore by using the North Shore Culture Compass.
