As Canada marks Sikh Heritage Month, a Surrey elementary school teacher is helping children see themselves reflected in both the stories they read and the toys they play with. She hopes that by fostering a sense of identity, pride, and belonging from an early age, representation is no longer just a concept, it’s something students can see, hold, and connect with.
“Sikh Heritage Month is a time to celebrate who we are, but for children, that sense of identity has to start early,” said Sandip Sodhi, a local teacher, author, and creator of culturally reflective learning dolls.
Sodhi says the idea stemmed from a gap she noticed in her own classroom.
“I didn’t see my students in the stories we were reading,” she explained. “That’s when I realized we need to create those stories ourselves.”
Her children’s books, Proud to be a Kaur and Proud to be a Singh, aim to instill confidence, kindness, and a strong sense of belonging; values that resonate beyond just one community.
“These are Sikh stories, yes, but they’re also universal,” Sodhi said. “Every child deserves to feel proud of who they are.”
Taking that representation beyond books, Sodhi also created Sikh boy and girl plush dolls, designed to make cultural learning like doing braids and tying patka on head more interactive.
“Children learn through play,” she said. “When they see themselves in a doll, it validates their identity in a very natural way.”
The response, she says, has been overwhelmingly positive, not just from Sikh families, but from diverse classrooms embracing inclusion.
“It’s been beautiful to see children from all backgrounds connecting with these dolls and asking questions,” she added.
In her own classroom, Sodhi has seen firsthand how representation can shape confidence, self identification, and participation.
“When students feel seen, they speak up more. They feel proud, and that changes everything,” she said.
While Sikh Heritage Month shines a spotlight on culture and history every April, Sodhi believes the conversation should continue year-round.
“Sikh history and identity should be part of learning all year, not just in one month,” she said.
As discussions around diversity and inclusion continue across Canada, Sodhi says both educators and parents play a crucial role.
“Representation isn’t just about one group, it’s about building understanding, respect, and empathy,” she said.
With plans to expand her collection of stories and cultural learning tools, Sodhi hopes to continue creating spaces where every child feels seen.
“I want every child to walk away feeling proud, proud of who they are,” she said.