Those attributes could be found among many of the individuals who made up the first South Asian diaspora in Manitoba. Her story and how she contributed to Manitoba’s multicultural fabric are featured in a book called South Asian Pioneers: The First Wave (1970-2022). Arriving more than five decades ago, they became pillars in Manitoba’s South Asian community by contributing significantly to academia, public service, government, health care, business, arts and culture, community building and volunteerism. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESSA dancer performs at the book launch South Asian Pioneers at the Manitoba Legislature. Rebello and Bhinder hope the perspectives can help the broader community gain better understanding of the South Asian diaspora.