Etobicoke is a diverse area of Toronto, rich in a variety of cultures. To attempt to encapsulate the heterogeneity of the community, I ventured out to explore the different ways in which culture is represented in the region.
TORONTO, ON.: Drupati’s fusion restaurant is photographed in Toronto, Ontario. This Carribbean-Chinese cuisine, while not categorized as South Asian — is an example of the diversity represented in the community.
I took notice that the university’s surrounding area is especially rich in South Asian culture and community. Altering – or rather narrowing down my exploration.
According to rexdalewomen.org, 65 per cent of North Etobicoke is made up of visible minorities in comparison to approximately 47 per cent of Toronto. The South Asian diaspora makes up North Etobicoke’s most prominent population and nearly 58 per cent of the area’s most recent immigrant population.
Many plazas surrounding the school are enriched with South Asian owned establishments and small businesses. The symbolism this carries reflects the upheaval of culture through the running of these necessary ventures.
TORONTO, ON.: Gwalia Indian restaurant is photographed in Toronto, Ontario.
TORONTO, ON.: The exterior of the Sikh Spiritual Centre is photographed in Toronto, Ontario.
Culture in the community is not only shown through the noticeable aspects, but the minute ones, that show the lived-in and comfortable facet of the South Asian diaspora in the community.
TORONTO, ON.: A flag of Sikh representation is photographed at the Sikh Spiritual Centre in Toronto, Ontario.
TORONTO, ON.: Indian decor is photographed at Panchvati Supermarket in Toronto, Ontario.
TORONTO, ON.: A unique and inclusive sign is photographed in Toronto, Ontario.
TORONTO, ON.: A lone, empty bottle of Limca, an Indian soda, is photographed in Toronto, Ontario.
TORONTO, ON.: Diyas, a celebratory Indian decoration are photographed at Panchvati Supermarket in Toronto, Ontario.
Through capturing both the most noticeable and hidden in plain sight aspects of the South Asian diaspora in Etobicoke, it is evident that the community is rich in culture, diversity and inclusivity.