Chautauqua Cultural Dinner

As the finale of Fernie's four-day cultural festival, the Chautauqua Cultural Dinner this year celebrates the contributions of Fernie's early Sikh community to the cultural fabric of Fernie with special speaker Dr. Michael Hawley and live entertainment.

Dinner includes a selection of 2 meat dishes, 2 vegetarian dishes, rice, naan bread and traditional chai tea. Cash bar available. Get your ticket online today.

Dr. Hawley's presentation, The History of Sikhs along the Crowsnest, explores the Sikh pioneers and personalities who made their way to southern Alberta and southeastern BC in the early part of the 20th century. Sikhs have settled along what would become the Crowsnest Highway for over a century. Yet their story has been overlooked and largely undocumented … until now. This presentation offers a glimpse into some of the documents, photographs, and colourful personalities of some of the earliest Sikh arrivals to the region.

GUEST SPEAKER | Dr. Michael Hawley is Associate Professor in Religious Studies at Mount Royal University and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Calgary. He is founding Chair of the Sikh Studies Group at the American Academy of Religion (AAR). He is currently working on a multi-year project documenting Sikh history, religion, and culture in southern Alberta. His favourite Indian dish is karela (bitter gourd).