Man discovers Sikh heritage after decades of not knowing his family history

For 55 years, Cam Sojan lived with a significant gap in his personal history, largely unaware of his family's origins. While he knew basic details about his father's life, born in Geraldton, educated in Perth, and served in the military in Canberra, these facts offered little insight into his deeper roots. "Sadly I think my father carried a bit of shame about his origin through his whole life," Sojan reflected. "I'm 55 and up until 54 I had no idea where I came from."

“

Sadly I think my father carried a bit of shame about his origin through his whole life.

His life changed in 2025 during a period of introspection when he encountered the Irwin District Historical Society in Dongara. This group's dedication to preserving the Midwest's past led Sojan to a profound discovery: a lineage of Sikh men with his surname who had settled in Dongara in the early 1900s. Further exploration through Sikh journals unveiled his family's narrative, revealing his direct connection to Sojan Singh, a Sikh gentleman who arrived in the region in the late 19th century during a period of migration for Sikhs and Afghans.

"I am directly related to Sojan Singh who was the Sikh Indian gentleman who arrived in the late 19th century when there was a wave of Sikh and Afghans who arrived at that time," he explained. The historical society provided details about his great-grandfather and grandfather, individuals he had never met. This newfound knowledge spurred him to travel from Brisbane to Western Australia with his wife, Allison, to personally uncover his history.

“

I'm 55 and up until 54 I had no idea where I came from.

His journey led him to Geraldton, 420 kilometers north of Perth, to meet long-lost relatives, including cousins and an uncle. Initial nervousness dissolved upon being welcomed warmly into their family home. During his stay, the families convened multiple times, sharing stories that encompassed the full spectrum of family life. "We met with their son and his family and just sat around and shared stories, the good, bad, the ugly, which is what families are," he said.

“

I am directly related to Sojan Singh who was the Sikh Indian gentleman who arrived in the late 19th century when there was a wave of Sikh and Afghans who arrived at that time.

This experience has deeply impacted Sojan. "My connection to the land and connection to the people couldn't be stronger." Back home, he feels a sense of completeness. "I'm centred and grounded by knowing where I come from and what my purpose is." He expresses immense pride and a renewed commitment to advocating for multiculturalism in Australia. Sojan believes that the secrecy surrounding his family's past also reflects a darker aspect of Australia's migration history, particularly the impact of the White Australia policy on interracial children.

“

The historical society had all of this information about my great-grandfather and a little bit about my grandfather, who I absolutely had never met.