The New Year has started with renewed hope and desire for a more peaceful world. It is mid January and all eyes are focused on the tragedy in Haiti. The devastation and violence that has erupted in that part of the world is unfathomable. Canadians, in their inimitable fashion have opened their hearts and wallets [...]
The holiday season is upon us and provides an opportunity for all of us to reflect upon the many gifts that we cherish now and every day of the year. At the Honouring our People conference in Vancouver in October, I am reminded of the gifts that the storytellers shared with the participants, of their [...]
As NAJC President, I was honoured to accept an invitation to “Witnessing the Future” ceremony of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) at Rideau Hall, on October 15, 2009. This was an occasion that focused on “listening to and learning from the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools”. In keeping with Aboriginal traditions, occasions [...]
After a year of preparation, the national celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Japanese Canadian Redress Settlement is now behind us. While I have not yet had time to digest what all happened, from accounts received so far, I think we can safely say it was a memorable event, and undoubtedly credit goes largely to [...]
An “Amazing Feet” is happening in Winnipeg on June 18 – June 21. The event is a kick-off to invite Winnipeggers and the rest to the country to leave an imprint of their foot or hand as the construction of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights begins to take off. A few months ago, during [...]
The NAJC is moving on April 15, 2009, as a result of a settlement between the NAJC and Cityscape Residence Corporation (owners of 404 Webb Place). We are relocating to 1 – 222 Osborne St. Wpg. MB. For those of you who have been to Winnipeg, our office is in Osborne Village and is at [...]
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of many African-Canadians who have contributed to the life and times of this great country. As we welcome the first official visit of President Barack Obama, to Canada, we are reminded of his comments related to Black History Month. It is “a [...]
It has been a very busy fall for the NAJC, with the National Conference celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Redress Settlement on September 19-21/08, in Vancouver, as well as the many regional celebrations across Canada. The organizers of the Vancouver event, Grace Thomson, Cindy Mochizuki and Ron Nishimura, did a tremendous job of giving [...]
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President's Message
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May 2012
Traditionally, the Japanese Canadian internment is dealt with in the World War II unit of study which is about two weeks in duration. Given the time restriction, the Internment is given about one class period – two at the most. [...] Read more →
Community Features
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Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi Human Rights Award
The Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi Human Rights Award is a newly created award to honour the work and legacy of Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi of Edmonton. The award will be presented every two years in recognition of an individual or organization who has contributed to the development or promotion of human rights and equity in Canada. [...] 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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Tatsuo Kage: Chronicling Japanese Canadians in Exile
In 1945, before the end of World War II, the Canadian government offered to “repatriate“ any ethnic Japanese to Japan after the war ended, even Canadian-born British subjects. Although signing up for the move was voluntary, many felt pressured to agree. In 1946, fully a year after the end of the war, some 4,000 Japanese [...]
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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