Turban tying event creates buzz at University of Alberta - Action News
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Edmonton

Turban tying event creates buzz at University of Alberta

Organizers of a special turban tying event at the University of Alberta say it was a huge success, with over one hundred people showing up to experience what it's like to wear a turban. The event was in response to a racist poster discovered in Edmonton last week.

Response to racist poster draws a crowd at turban-tying event

Turban, Eh! event educates students about Sikh faith

8 years ago
Duration 1:29
Students and visitors at the University of Alberta got to try on a turban and learn about the Sikh faith.

The University of Alberta Students' Union building was a sea of multi-coloured turbans on Tuesday in a broad-based show of support for the Sikh community.

The turban-tying event called "Turban, Eh?" invited anyone to get a turban tied on their heads.It followedthe discovery of a racist poster on campus last week thatpictured a turbaned man of the Sikh faith and the words, "F--k your Turban."

The posters were quickly torn down by students and denounced by the university administration.But Sikh groups on campus wanted to do more than condemn the posters. They wanted to teach people about their faith and why they wear turbansas asymbol of their religion, a reminder ofthe moral standards they are held to, and a sign of respect.

So volunteers with the Sikh Students' Association and the World Sikh Organization of Canada decided to hosta turban tie-in. Anyonecould choose their own colour of turban and have it tied by a volunteer.

"Racismaffects my community and it's something that affects us all," said Shauna Spence, who works in downtown Edmonton but made sure she was there.

Having experienced racism herself as a black woman, Spence wanted to show solidarity to people of the Sikh faith.

"It's one more way to eradicate racism and get the message out there," she said.

Shauna Spence said the event helps build understanding (Peter Evans CBC)

Faculty,staff and studentswere joined bypoliticians and even some whodrove to Edmonton from surroundingrural areas.

"What a better way to respond to a horrible incident than with something with kindness, enthusiasm, positivity and so I think it's great," said Will Munsey who is from New Sarepta.

About 30 Sikh volunteers offered to tie turbans on people in their choice of colour (Peter Evans CBC)
Will Munsey said he was hurt by the racist poster and drove from New Sarepta to be at the turban event (Peter Evans CBC)

Volunteers tied two different styles of turbans with four-metre long pieces of cloth donated by a local store, Unique Fashions.

People were invited to keep them on.

Sukhman Hehar said it meant a lot for her and her community to tell people about the importance of the turban and why Sikhswear them.

"It's a crown of a Sikh and we wear it with a lot of respect and it challenges us to live to the highest character we can. Males and females both wear turbans so that's a huge misconception," said Hehar.

University president David Turpin said he was filled with pride.

"It really is an opportunity to stand up and say what it means to be Canadian," said Turpin.

Shauna Spence said it would be a good idea to see more events like this that help build understanding between cultures.

"Different communities are doing good things and are part of this Edmonton Canadian community and (your) feel that solidarity here," she said.

Sukhman Hehar said the turban is worn by men and women and is worn with respect (Peter Evans CBC)