Harm reduction, Healing, Hope

SikhRI connects people with the teachings of Sikhi and strengthens the bonds of the Sikh community around the world by offering courses and seminars in a variety of mediums.

Anokh Singh is a 3rd-year Psychiatry Resident at UC Davis Medical Center. Originally from San Jose, CA, he completed his Masters and Medical degree at Touro University California. His interests include global mental health, diversity and equity within medical education and mental health inequities and disparities within immigrant communities. He is currently working on research exploring intergenerational trauma within the Sikh community.

Bavenjit Kaur Cheema is a 1st year UBC Family Medicine resident, training in full-scope family practice and hoping to specialize in addictions medicine. She is the co-founder of Asra, the Punjabi Alcohol Resource (asranow.ca), helping Panjabi families navigate problems with alcohol. She is passionate about understanding the nuances and cultural differences when addressing addiction in racialized communities.

Manvinder Kaur is the webinar coordinator with SikhRI. She holds a MA in religious studies from McMaster University where her research focused on the intersections of alcohol and Sikhi, particularly considering influences of colonialism, gender, and trauma.

She has held research fellowships at Delhi University and the University of Victoria. She is currently pursuing an MSW degree at the University of Toronto and is interested in understanding indigenous Panjabi and Sikh forms of healing for addictions treatment. Her work aims to reimagine colonial narratives and direct energy towards frameworks of love, justice, and gratitude.

Palwinder Kaur Gill is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who is currently working full time with Provincial Health Service Authorities as a trauma specialist. She also works part-time with Abbotsford Community Services, focusing on populations involved in domestic violence.

Previously, her work included a position as a family therapist for families involved with the MCFD. She has also worked with critical community health organizations such as the Crisis Line, numerous Addiction Centers, the Purpose Society, and Moving Forward Families. She is passionate about mental health and demonstrates sincere dedication to working with communities to improve mental health.

She specializes in CBT, Person-Centered therapy, traumatic counseling, family, and couples, along with other counseling services. She has worked with clients exhibiting various issues, from family problems and childhood trauma to addictions, couple conflicts, and other complex psychological problems.
Palwinder’s vision for mental health is to improve the quality of life of her clients by demonstrating the knowledge she gained during her psychology course work and clinical counseling work experience.