Empowering Communities Towards Caste Equity
Join us in creating a caste discrimination free society
Discover Sadan Canada
The focus of SADAN lies in the advocacy against caste discrimination and for justice, equality and the dignity of caste oppressed descent diasporic communities. It works for the rights of Dalits (known as untouchables), Adivasi/ Indigenous and other caste oppressed of South Asian origin in Canada and other parts.
About Sadan Canada
Who We Are
The South Asian Dalit Adivasi Network Canada (SADAN) is formed in 2019 by Dalit activists Vijay Puli and Chinnaiah Jangam and officially registered as a non-profit organization in 2020. It has six board of directors. The main focus of SADAN is advocacy against caste discrimination and for justice, equality, and dignity of caste oppressed diasporic communities and persecuted minorities. It works with Dalit (formerly known as untouchables in South Asia), Adivasi/ Indigenous, other caste oppressed descents and persecuted minorities of South Asian origin in Canada and other parts. SADAN addresses multiple forms of caste-based discrimination faced by historically oppressed communities such as Dalits, Adivasis and Bahujan descent castes originated in India and resides in Canada.
Missison Visison Values
Mission
Mission
Mission
SADAN believes in equity and equality and advocates against any form of discrimination. It champions the rights of Dalit, Adivasis(indigenous), and oppressed communities.
Vision
Mission
Mission
SADAN recognizes the right of the human being to be treated with equal recognition and dignity irrespective of caste, race, descent, religion, sexual orientation, and eating habits and tastes.
Values
Mission
Values
SADAN values Self-respect, Social Justice, and Equity as fundamental tenets of the organization.
Achievements
Dalit History Month Initiative
Recognition of Caste by Ontario Human Rights Commission
Caste Equity in Toronto District School Board
On April 24, 2021, SADAN launched the first Dalit History Month event nationwide in Canada in collaboration with the Equality Labs to bring awareness to Dalit history and culture. Since then, many government and educational institutions started adopting the DHM celebration every year.
Caste Equity in Toronto District School Board
Recognition of Caste by Ontario Human Rights Commission
Caste Equity in Toronto District School Board
In March 2023, SADAN advocated including caste equity in the Toronto District School Board, the largest school board in North America and the first public school board to do so. This is the second public institution in North America after Seattle city to recognize the caste in its policies.
Recognition of Caste by Ontario Human Rights Commission
Recognition of Caste by Ontario Human Rights Commission
Recognition of Caste by Ontario Human Rights Commission
In October 2023, SADAN advocated for the Ontario Human Rights Commission to recognize the caste as discriminatory and release the official statement on it. OHRC is the first human rights commission in North America to recognise caste discrimination and release the statement.
FACT- University of Toronto
Recognition of Caste by Ontario Human Rights Commission
Recognition of Caste by Ontario Human Rights Commission
In February 2024, Forum for Anti- Caste Activism at the University of Toronto (FACT) advocated with CUPE 3902 and the University of Toronto bargaining committee to include caste as a protected category. The University of Toronto is the 1st university in Canada to add caste as a protective category in its policies.
Queen’s Ambedkar Reading Circle
Caste Experiences In Canada: A Community Partnership for Survey Design
Queen’s Ambedkar Reading Circle
In April 2025, the Ambedkar Reading Circle at Queen’s University (ARCQ), through their advocacy with PSAC 901 and the university’s bargaining committee, successfully pushed Queen’s University to formally recognize caste based discrimination. Queen's university is the second university in Canada to adopt protections against caste based discrimination in its policies for graduate student workers. This follows ARCQ’s earlier achievement in February 2024, when their efforts led the PSAC 901 Stewards’ Council to unanimously vote to add caste as a protected ground in its anti-harassment policy.
Dalit Queer Initiative
Caste Experiences In Canada: A Community Partnership for Survey Design
Queen’s Ambedkar Reading Circle
SADAN is dedicated to build an inclusive and equitable society, advocating for the rights and dignity of Dalit communities while embracing the intersectionality of caste, gender, and sexuality. We recognize that queer Dalit individuals face unique challenges and are committed to creating a safe and affirming space where all identities are respected and valued. Through inclusive policies, representation, and community-driven initiatives, we strive to uplift queer Dalit voices, ensuring that our movement is truly inclusive and just for all.
Dr. Ambedkar Day of Equity
Caste Experiences In Canada: A Community Partnership for Survey Design
Caste Experiences In Canada: A Community Partnership for Survey Design
In March 2024, SADAN was part of advocacy with ally Mending the Chasm for the city of Burlington’s proclamations in recognizing April as “Dalit History Month” and “April 14th as Dr. Ambedkar Day of Equity”. Burlington is the first city in Ontario to have such proclamations on “Dalit History Month” and “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equity”.
Caste Experiences In Canada: A Community Partnership for Survey Design
Caste Experiences In Canada: A Community Partnership for Survey Design
Caste Experiences In Canada: A Community Partnership for Survey Design
SADAN is pleased to announce the ‘Caste Experiences in Canada Survey’ project. In partnership with a group of academics and organisations, this is a first of its kind project in Canada to create a survey about the lives and experiences of caste-oppressed people (and allies), in consultation with community organizations and leaders.
Support Sadan Canada Today
Donate to Sadan Canada
Your donation will help us to continue our mission of supporting our community. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Volunteer with Sadan Canada
Join our team of volunteers and make a difference in your community. Whether you can give a few hours a week or a few hours a month, your time and skills are appreciated.
Attend Our Events
We host a variety of events throughout the year, including caste equity workshops, trainings, advocacy meetings, community outreach events, and educational seminars. Take a look at our social media for more details!
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news and happenings at Sadan Canada by following us on social media. We're active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Partner with Sadan Canada
We're always looking for new partners/ allies to collaborate with on projects and events. If your organization shares our values and mission, let's work together to make a positive impact.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness of our mission and programs by sharing our website, social media pages, and events with your friends, family, and colleagues.
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