The National Association of Japanese Canadians is a non-profit incorporated community organization in Canada that represents the Japanese Canadian community. Formed in 1947, the NAJC focuses on human rights and community development.
The NAJC successfully negotiated the historic Redress Settlement on behalf of all Japanese Canadians who suffered injustices at the hands of their own government during and after World War II when they were dispossessed, forcibly relocated and interned. On September 22, 1988, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and NAJC President Art Miki signed the redress agreement acknowledging the wrongs committed against Japanese Canadians.
April 14, 2013
The Honourable Julian Fantino
Minister of International Cooperation
House of Commons
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, ON K1A0A6
Dear Minister Fantino:
Re: CIDA merger with Foreign Affairs and International Development
The National Association of Japanese Canadians would like to express its support of the government’s recent announcement to maintaining its commitment to international development and humanitarian support.
With the recent merger of Canadian International Development Agency with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, we are concerned that this will shift international aid to those projects tied to the pursuit of economic opportunities for Canadian businesses, which may not necessarily be in the best interests of communities that are supposed to benefit from the aid.
On December 1, 2012, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at Hastings Park in Vancouver. To read a full article on this event, click HERE.
 National Association of Japanese Canadians
and Safeway Holidays & Signet Tours present
Japan Tour #1: Summer in Tokyo and Environs (July 12 to July 20 – 9 days and 7 nights)
Highlights:
* Hot springs, Exquisite cuisine, historic architecture, Mt. Fuji, marvelous landscapes, coastal scenery, traditional crafts.
* Luxurious hotels
* Guided exploration by local professional tour guides.
* Visits to: Tokyo, Kamakura, Odawara, Atami and Hakone.
* Free 2 days at leisure to explore on your own with information provided or take option tour to visit Nikko heritage site.
* Walking tour to Edo Kagurazaka
Cost: land only $2,152 based on shared accommodation.
Meals : Breakfast 7, Lunch 3, Dinner 3. Continue reading NAJC Heritage Tours
On this, the 25th Anniversary of Reddress, the National Association of Japanese Canadians has created a Sustaining Fund to fund the activities of the NAJC going forward. Thank you for your support.
A Need for Vigilance
by Art Miki
 This year, as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Japanese Canadian redress settlement, it is a time to reflect on the achievements of NAJC and what the future holds for us. In achieving redress, the NAJC demonstrated that perseverance and faith in our democratic system finally led to the achievement of redress and reinforced Canada’s commitment to human rights. Our redress agreement became a precedent for the Canadian government to deal with and apologize for other past injustices such as the Chinese head tax, the Ukrainian internment and Indian residential schools.
Continue reading NAJC Sustaining Fund
 I first heard the hauntingly iconic song, Watari Dori, in Jesse Nishihata’s documentary film (1973) of the same name. His family’s life history was the framework for the film’s exploration of Japanese Canadian internment and dispersal. Jesse’s film was an invaluable resource in my grade 10 Canadian History classes ever since I began my teaching career in 1976—no other documentaries were available at that time. The song is an anthem to all travellers displaced from their homes due to economic or—for our community—political reasons. For many, the hope of returning home to Japan or British Columbia remained a dream.
Continue reading President’s Message
Bathed in the afterglow of the Redress Settlement, the Toronto Chapter executive held a meeting to discuss future directions and programs. The Sansei on the executive suggested that we needed to be more supportive of First Nations land claims. A Nisei member questioned, “What does it have to do with us?” We were taken aback by the question. The comment was a clear line between those who saw Redress from a larger human rights perspective and having the desire to harness the political and moral capital gained at the moment by pushing the human rights agenda for other ethno-cultural groups verses those who simply viewed the Redress Settlement as a Japanese Canadian issue. Nikkei must realize that the acceptance of the government apology and settlement contained the tacit obligation to be advocates for human rights. As I noted previously, our campaign did not gain momentum until we made the Redress campaign an issue of Canadian civil rights, thereby expanding ownership.
Continue reading President’s Message
January 4, 2013
To: Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Prime Minister’s Office
Re: Idle no more
The National Association of Japanese Canadians is pleased to hear that you will be meeting with Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence; National Chief Shawn Atleo and other chiefs on January 11, 2013. At this meeting I urge you to engage in open and meaningful dialogue to discuss concrete commitments and the preservation and fulfillment of Treaty rights. If Canada wishes to remain an international exemplar of human rights justice, we must demonstrate the importance of consultation with and incorporation of the views of Aboriginal leaders and their communities in all matters of national policy.
We oppose Bill C-45 because of the lack of consultation with Aboriginal peoples on the changes to the Indian Act, and other legislation affecting waterways, reserve lands, and education. These legislative changes will have a profoundly negative impact on the rights of Aboriginal peoples, and non-Aboriginal Canadians alike.
Continue reading Re: Idle No More
Year of the Snake
As we begin to bid adieu to the year of the Dragon, I would like to wish you and your family good health and happiness in the Year of the Snake. January is the time for new beginnings and is also a time for us to contemplate the life lessons and joys of the past year. On the last day of the old year, my parents have religiously cleaned their home from top to bottom to symbolically rid the events of the past year and to welcome the new with a clean slate. They rise before the new dawn to insure good fortune. Sadly both traditions have disappeared from my household.
Continue reading President’s Message
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President's Message
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President’s Message
I first heard the hauntingly iconic song, Watari Dori, in Jesse Nishihata’s documentary film (1973) of the same name. His family’s life history was the framework for the film’s exploration of Japanese Canadian internment and dispersal. Jesse’s film was an invaluable resource in my grade 10 Canadian History classes ever since I began my teaching [...] Read more →
Community Features
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NAJC Sustaining Fund
On this, the 25th Anniversary of Reddress, the National Association of Japanese Canadians has created a Sustaining Fund to fund the activities of the NAJC going forward. Thank you for your support. A Need for Vigilance by Art Miki This year, as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Japanese Canadian redress settlement, it is [...] Read more →
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MISSION STATEMENT:
To promote and develop a strong Japanese Canadian identity and thereby to strengthen local communities and the national organization; and To strive for equal rights and liberties for all persons-in particular, the rights of racial and ethnic minorities.
VISION:
A strong, unified community founded on diversity and committed to human rights for all for the enrichment of Canada
From The Bulletin
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December 1 Hastings Park Commemorative Event
On December 1, 2012, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at Hastings Park in Vancouver. To read a full article on this event, click HERE. share: Recommend on Facebook Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post
It is not enough just to have a birth certificate, certifying one’s birth in Canada. It is not enough to be a native Canadian and expect that mere birth alone is everything: privileges, responsibilities, pride, allegiance. One must grow into citizenship; one must shoulder the responsibilities before there is any real joy in the privileges; one must be vigilant for the honour of one’s country, its integrity, else how can one say with pride: "I am Canadian."
Muriel Kitagawa
full quote
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