ALI KAZIMI in conversation with AUDREY MACKLIN AT “UNDESIRABLES” BOOK LAUNCH

Join author and award-winning filmmaker, Ali Kazimi and Professor of Law, Audrey Macklin for an interview, a Q&A, and an illustrated presentation about one of the most infamous episodes in Canadian history at the launch of Kazimi’s new book, Undesirables, White Canada and The Komagata Maru. Presented by This Is Not a Reading Series, D&M Publishers and the Gladstone Hotel. Co-presented by Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA), Centre for Refugee Studies, South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario, The Centre for Feminist Research, York Centre for Asian Research, York’s South Asian Studies program, United South Asians at York and No One Is Illegal.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Gladstone Hotel, Main Ballroom, 1214 Queen Street West 
Doors open at 7 pm; Event begins at 7:30 pm
Admission is $5 or FREE with purchase of a book

UNDESIRABLES: White Canada and the Komagata Maru — An Illustrated History
In May 1914, the Komagata Maru, a ship carrying 376 immigrants from British India, was turned away when it tried to land in Vancouver harbour. Many of the men on board, veterans of the British Indian Army, believed it was their right to settle anywhere in the empire they had fought to defend. They were wrong. Enforcing the “continuous journey” regulation, immigration boats surrounded the ship a half-mile off shore, making the passengers virtual prisoners. Thus began a dramatic stand-off that would escalate over the next two months, becoming one of the most infamous events in Canadian history. Continue reading →