
Sikh motorcycle club rides to Sundre to build cultural bridges
such as a community parade, those who organized the float and their supporters remain adamant the message was never intended to specifically target Sikh culture generally speaking, but rather the policies of political parties they oppose. But those who found the float offensive felt any such nuance about political commentary would not be properly understood by young children who might instead interpret and normalize the denigration of a man donning a mock turban and fake beard. Some also said such crude depictions of sacred religious icons are hurtful to the Sikh community. A group of about two dozen people decided to gather at the vacant lot on the south side of Highway 27 across the road from the Shell gas station ahead of the motorcycle motorcade’s arrival. The organizers behind that demonstration, who brought out on display the manure spreader, were calling for an apology over what they believe to be an unfair portrayal of their political message before there could be meaningful reconciliation. Kulbir Singh Chawla was among the group, which included former Yellow Vest activists who during the pandemic demonstrated against COVID restrictions. “It’s just a narrative clash I think,” Chawla told the Albertan shortly after the convoy drove past on its way to the town’s office.