VOICES ACROSS BORDERS: EXPLORING THE INDO-CANADIAN DIASPORA AND INDIGENOUS LITERATURES IN CANADA

Abstract [English]

This paper delves into the rich literary traditions of Canada’s Indigenous peoples and the narratives of the Indo-Canadian diaspora, highlighting their contributions to the Canadian multicultural tapestry. Indigenous oral and written literature, though diverse and profound, remains marginalized within traditional literary studies. Similarly, the Indo-Canadian diaspora offers compelling stories of migration, resilience, and cultural integration, reflecting the enduring ties between India and Canada. From the challenges faced by early Punjabi migrants to the vibrant contributions of subsequent generations, the journey of Indo-Canadians underscores the complexities of dual identity, cultural hybridity, and systemic inequities. Indo-Canadian literature serves as a lens into these experiences, exploring themes of displacement, cultural negotiation, and identity conflicts. Works by authors such as Rohinton Mistry, Anita Rau Badami, and Shauna Singh Baldwin bring to life the struggles and triumphs of the Indian diaspora, while connecting them to broader discourses on multiculturalism and belonging. The narratives of Indigenous and Indo-Canadian authors challenge societal norms, celebrate diversity, and interrogate systemic inequities, offering critical insights into Canada’s literary and cultural evolution. This paper underscores the need for deeper scholarly engagement with these literatures to appreciate their complexity and transformative potential in redefining multicultural identity.