November 27, 2009
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 of great significance are witnessed by an individual who is esteemed and held in high regard. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada accepted the role of “witness”. The guests of honour to this event were the survivors of the residential school experience and their grand children. The stories they told were very powerful in their content and spoke to the lasting scars and harm that many survivors have endured in the past and continue to haunt them today. As the Chairperson of the TRC, The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair stated: ” We, and you, are not out of that past yet. Our families were broken and must be rebuilt”.
The TRC hearings over the next five years in various centres across Canada are intended to have the truth told by the survivors and so by telling their stories, healing and reconciliation will take place. It is the hope of the TRC that greater understanding and respect will evolve between Aboriginal peoples and the peoples of Canada through the hearings. The NAJC has made a commitment to the aboriginal communities that we support the TRC process. Our initial plan includes hosting educational workshops in our communities.
On October 16/09, the NAJC HRC met in Vancouver for a meeting to review current activities and to establish priorities. Some highlights to consider for the coming year will involve follow-up activities from the Honouring our People conference, human rights information on the website, governance issues, guidelines to structure the committee, and other matters related to international concerns.
The NAJC AGM was held on October 17-18, in Vancouver with delegates/alternates/observers attending from across Canada. Major challenges facing the NAJC, regarding our financial investments was discussed and a decision made to change our investment management. This was a difficult issue to decide, but one that was done with respect and responsibility. A Heritage Task Force was created at the AGM, to a)encourage and assist Japanese-Canadian communities in the preservation, maintenance and dissemination of Japanese-Canadian heritage and history b) monitor representation of Japanese-Canadian history in Canadian society c) propose recommendations at the 2010 AGM regarding a) and b) above to the membership.
Thanks to all who attended the AGM and a special thanks to the GVJCCA, for hosting the event.
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November 27, 2009
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 the volunteers who worked, with commitment, to this project’s success.
For me, there were positive vibes in the air from the moment the door opened on the first day at the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Gloria Wilson, Squamish National Elder, gave us her welcoming blessing. The Dinner Program on Saturday was especially charged with magical excitement (I don’t think I was the only one who felt this). Opening in the lobby with the Nishihara Kage Duo performance, and with few drinks at the bar, and moving to the dining hall, we were welcomed by Mayor Derek R. Corrigan of the City of Burnaby. A special message was offered to us by His Excellency, Ambassador Tsuneo Nishida, a rare occasion for us in the West Coast. It seems in retrospect that everyone came prepared to celebrate, as the atmosphere continued to warm with goodwill and anticipation.
The Takeo Yamashiro/Teresa Kobayashi Tabo Duo on shakuhachi and koto respectively during a dinner of Japanese food (Fujiya) was absolutely stunning, and the toast in recognition of the redress committee members given by Dr. Mona Oikawa (York University), followed by Dr. Roy Miki’s delivery of his remembrances of the Redress Movement electrified the room. If that were not enough, Chief Robert Joseph’s keynote address, containing a plea to JCs to participate in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, received a standing ovation. The evening closed with a spirited, soul-awakening beat of Katari Taiko, moving us from our present into the future
I thank the Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens Association, and its President, Ron Nishimura for co-hosting this event. I acknowledge Cindy Mochizuki, the NAJC Event Coordinator, who did an incredible job particularly in pulling young people to this Event. I thank the national member organization delegates and guests for their attendance, and give special thanks to Calgary Japanese Community Association’s President Kevin Okabe for arranging the bus transportation for Calgary Kotobuki Society members to join with us.
I thank the Canadian Race Relations Foundation for their support, and also collaboration in the opening plenary, Redress: Never Too Late, bringing together communities which recently achieved formal redress settlements, and inviting discussion on outstanding issues as we move into the future.
Each session was filled to capacity, totaling close to a thousand for the weekend, with a large participation from youths and students. Of great import are the messages underlying and spoken by various participants, in particular the Aboriginal speakers. Youth and ijusha groups expressed their need for more of such discussions.
Performances and video screenings were highlighted, and I wish to give special acknowledgement to two: One, compiled and narrated by Dr. Norihiko Kuwayama, (Yamagata Prefecture), titled Chi Kyuu no Stage/Frontline for Peace; the other, Ghosts, by Jay Hirabayashi and Kokoro Dance, a special dance produced to commemorate this event, performed on the rooftop of Sunrise Market, adjacent to the site where Japanese Canadians registered prior to their internment in 1942.
In the next issue I expect to enumerate in more detail for acknowledgement all donors and sponsors while I attempt to send personal letters of thanks. In the meantime, THANK YOU ALL.
Note: A reminder of the NAJC Annual General Meeting to be held in Winnipeg this year on the weekend of October 25th. Hope to see some of you there!
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November 27, 2009
Summer is almost over, with Fall just around the corner. Families get ready for their children to return to school and life becomes a lot more scheduled.
The NAJC has been involved with various activities including planning for the AGM on October 17-18/09, in Vancouver. This past year has had many challenges related to the economic downturn and it is our commitment to examine ways to manage our resources in a fiscally responsible fashion. We have been very fortunate that Takashi Ohki, a Director of the National Executive Board, has recently accepted the position of Treasurer, which has been vacant since the end of April/09, when Alan Tanaka unfortunately had to step down as Treasurer. Alan has done a tremendous job of examining our finances and making recommendations that will be beneficial for the future. Thank you, Alan.
The National Executive Board met in Vancouver on August 15-16/09, for its regular quarterly meeting. Masa Kagami, VP and Chair of the Human Rights Committee has sent a letter to the Prime Minister regarding Omar Khadr. A letter to the Japanese Canadian community providing information about this matter is included in this newsletter. The NAJC is committed to speak out when incidents of violations of human rights are known.
The NAJC together with the Greater Vancouver JCCA, encourages everyone to attend the conference, “Honouring Our People: Stories of Internment”, in Vancouver, from September 25-27/09. This is an opportunity for those individuals who experienced internment to tell their stories so that their children and grandchildren might know and understand the impact of this time on their families’ lives. Please participate and register your attendance with the Greater Vancouver JCCA.
Being mindful of fiscal restraints, the NAJC is nonetheless committed to meeting community needs and it is our intention to introduce programs and projects that will benefit our communities. More information about community initiatives will be forthcoming. On another note, many membership organizations are expressing concerns about decreasing membership and a lack of volunteers. The NAJC changed its membership structure a few years ago with the intention of becoming more inclusive of other interest groups and individuals in the community. We invite your comments on these issues of membership. Please contact the Liaison Person in your area if you have any questions or comments.
See you at the “Honouring Our People” conference in Vancouver!
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November 27, 2009
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 an archaeological dig, an 800-year-old imprint of a human foot was discovered. The event is intended to have people make an imprint of their hand or foot. These imprints will then be put in a time capsule and placed in the construction site as a new imprint of history is created. For those individuals wanting to participate but are unable to attend, the website of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights (www.humanrightsmuseum.ca) allows people to make an imprint through this media. I will be volunteering at this event and look forward to many people supporting the work of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.
The NAJC Human Rights Committee welcomes Lillian Nakamura Maguire to our committee. Lillian is a Human Rights Educator for the Yukon Human Rights Commission, and is currently finishing a four-year term on the Board of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the work of our committee. The Human Rights Committee is planning a teleconference in July/09, to assess the progress of our projects and to review the on-going activities of the committee. Remember to register for the conference, “Honouring Our People- Stories of Internment” in Vancouver, from September 25-27th.
The NAJC has had discussions with the Canadian War Museum over the past few years, regarding the Japanese Canadian exhibit of the events during World War II. Grace Eiko Thomson, on behalf of the NAJC, has been the liaison with the Museum and has submitted various changes to the Exhibit that would reflect a balanced view of the wartime experience and accurately portray a perspective from the community that underwent the injustices inflicted upon us during that time.
The Emperor and Empress of Japan are visiting Canada during the first part of July. Their Majesties’ visit coincides with the 80th anniversary of Japan/Canada relations. Although their contact with the Japanese Canadian communities will be brief, it is nonetheless an important occasion to celebrate the peace and harmony that is generated amongst nations when these visits occur. Recently, Japan has organized many goodwill trips to Japan for Japanese Canadians, to educate and increase the awareness of modern-day Japan.
The National Executive Board will be having their regular quarterly meeting in Vancouver on August 15-16th, in preparation for the AGM in Vancouver on October 17th and 18th. Please submit any resolutions, motions, to the NAJC office, by July 16th.
Summer has arrived in Winnipeg, so enjoy!
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June 7, 2009
Last month, I reported that Spring has arrived. We are still waiting here in Winnipeg!! The May long weekend is a defining time in Manitoba when everyone anxiously waits, with great anticipation, to open the family cottage or to go camping in the world renowned “Grand Beach”. Who knew that over 15 cm of snow would greet them!!
The NEB met in Winnipeg on April 25-26/09, at the new office space at 1 – 222 Osborne St. The reaction to the new office was most encouraging and positive. The office is situated in an old building that has been converted from apartments to small offices. Lucy Yamashita, National Administrator did an excellent job of organizing the new office to an efficient and inviting work space. The challenges before the NEB continue as we examine ways to honour our mandate and commitment to the membership. It is our plan to assist our communities in undertakings that preserve, maintain and build community development. To this end, we are asking the membership to endorse the creation of a Heritage Committee to act as advisors to local communities and to advocate for accurate representation of the history of Japanese Canadians. In addition to the preservation of the history of Japanese Canadians, the NEB would like to partner with the community organizations in areas of community need.
The NAJC Human Rights Committee welcomes new members across the country, as we continue to address critical issues of human rights. Human Rights is an area that is often controversial and complex to comprehend. We know that the fight to redress wrongdoings is a long and arduous journey. The NAJC has always felt a duty to respond and a responsibility to support individuals, groups and organizations that have experienced similar violations of human rights as our community has felt. We want to remind everyone of the upcoming workshop, “Honouring our Past”, in Vancouver, on September 25-26/09.
The NAJC has raised the issue in the past of having an Executive Director hired for the NAJC. At the last AGM meeting in October/08, in Winnipeg, there was a commitment on the part of the NEB to research this area more fully and report back to the Council at the next AGM in October/09, in Vancouver. This is a work in progress, as we are confronted with challenges of financial restraints and significant factors related to the operations of the NAJC. We will keep you posted.
Please contact your Liaison NEB member in your area to discuss any questions that you may have of the work of the NAJC or contact us through this website.
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May 27, 2009
The National Executive Board of the NAJC is pleased to announce the following recipients of the Endowment Fund for the Spring 2009 term:
Sports, Education, Arts Development (SEAD)
Alison Reiko Loader ( Quebec) requested assistance to study at a two week workshop in Animation Studies in July, 2009 in Oregon.
Granted: $1,500.
Keiko Marumo (Edmonton) requested assistance to enhance her training in kendo to prepare for the International Kendo Tournament in Brazil.
Granted: $1000.
Zen Nakamura (Montreal) requested assistance to hold an exhibit in the Gendai Gallery in the Toronto JCCC regarding a house building project of a Japanese Canadian family.
Granted: $1000.
Cultural Development (CD)
Ayame-Kai Dance Group (Toronto) requested assistance for the group’s 25th Anniversary Concert to be held in November, 2009.
Granted: $3000.
Brendan Uegama (Delta) requested assistance to make a film “Henry’s Glasses”.
Granted: $3000.
Calgary Japanese Community Association (Calgary) requested assistance for the cost of information gathering for a History Preservation Project .
Granted: $2000.
Powell Street Festival (Vancouver) received assistance with professional artist’s fees for the 33rd Annual Powell Street festival.
Granted: $3000.
Yayoi Theatre Movement Society (Vancouver) requested assistance for a multi-media dance performance, “Identity”, based on the life of Roy Kiyooka.
Granted: $1500.
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May 5, 2009
REFLECTING THE PAST– IN THE PRESENT–IMAGINING THE FUTURE
Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Japanese Canadian Redress Settlement (September 22, 1988)
Submitted March 31, 2009, by:
Grace Eiko Thomson, Past President (President, 2006-2008), National Association of Japanese Canadians
During the weekend of September 19, 20, and 21, 2008, a special Program was held in Vancouver, by the National Association of Japanese Canadians, to celebrate an event, twenty years ago–September 22, 1988–when the Government of Canada acknowledged the injustices committed against Japanese Canadians during and after the Second World War, and pledged such events will not happen again in this country. The signing of the Redress Agreement and Acknowledgement was an event of national celebration for all Japanese Canadians. It was also unprecedented in the history of Canada, and opened up possibilities for other minority groups seeking redress for historic or other injustices, to present their issues with hope of resolution.
What was great about anniversaries, especially the 20th , is that it was still within grasp of the collective memory of many Japanese Canadians, and such celebration offers opportunity to visit the past, not to remain there, but to review an envision the future.
Friday and Saturday morning sessions were opened with First Nations’ welcome and blessing by Gloria Wilson (Squamish Nation Elder) and Larry Grant (Musqueam Nation Elder) respectively. Former NAJC President Arthur K. Miki gave the opening plenary address. A welcoming message was offered by Mayor Derek R. Corrigan, of the City of Burnaby, at the Saturday evening celebration dinner, and a special message by His Excellency, Ambassador Tsuneo Nishida of Japan. Dr. Roy Miki’s reminiscences of the Redress Movement, followed by the keynote address by Chief Robert Joseph (LLD, UBC, Special Advisor on Residential School Issues, Indian Residential School Survivors Society) electrified the banquet room and received a standing ovation.
Following are highlights of some of the panel discussions and workshops submitted in reports by the moderators:
The opening program, titled Redress: Never Too Late, sponsored jointly by Canadian Race Relations Foundation and the National Association of Japanese Canadians was moderated by Arthur K. Miki, C.M., (former President of NAJC who signed the Acknowledgement with Prime Minister Brian Mulroney). Introduced by Albert Lo, President, CRRF, the program included speakers from communities who had already achieved formal redress settlements from the Canadian Government for past injustices inflicted upon them through government actions and legislations. The session addressed the terms of agreement, impact of the redress settlement on individuals and on community, actions that will be taken to ensure that the past will not be forgotten and issues which remain outstanding.
Participants included a panel of four, including Andrew Griffith (Director General, Multiculturalism and Human Rights, Canadian Heritage). Chief Robert Joseph (Aboriginal community) acknowledged the importance of the Japanese Canadian Redress settlement in gaining redress for the Aboriginal victims placed in residential schools by the government of Canada. This action had a profound effect on his community as students were deprived of their language and culture. Avvy Go (Chinese Canadian community) spoke on the beginnings of the redress movement for the Chinese Head Tax issue, making reference to the Court Challenge program that resulted in the denial of legal claim made on behalf of Chinese Canadians who had paid the head tax. Although the apology and compensation were announced by the Prime Minister in 2008, some members of the community feel that the compensation did not go far enough. However, she pointed out that the issue is now resolved for the elderly victims. Andrew Hladyshevsky (Ukrainian Canadian community) shared his views on the extended ongoing negotiations with the federal government over many years and with many different ministers. He indicated that the change of ministers was frustrating as they had to educate each new minister on the history and experience of Ukrainian Canadians interned during World War I, delaying the process. The final detail of the redress settlement is still being worked out with the present government.
David Divine (Afro-Canadian community), spoke as a responder since there is no claim to the Government for redress on behalf of the Black community at this time. He talked about the experiences and also the diversity that exists in his community that makes reaching a consensus very difficult. Professor Divine however shared different ways that redress may be addressed. Harbhajan Gill (Komagata Maru Heritage Foundation) who spoke of the apology given by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a Park in Vancouver shortly before the election was called. Mr. Gill indicated that the community wanted the apology made in the House of Commons, but he felt that it was a political decision by the Prime Minister to make such announcement in the Park since Parliament would not be convening.
The second session on the first day was presented by keynote speaker, Philomena Essed, Professor of Critical Race, Gender and Leadership Studies, at Antioch University. Moderated by Randy Enomoto, he offers that a central point in Essed’s keynote address, titled, Leadership Beyond Antiracism: Aainst Humiliations and for the Dignity of Being, is that “beyond antiracism there is the responsibility of honoring the dignity of being, the whole human (or nonhuman) being, not only the racial dimension of experience” and that “ethnic or racial reductionism implies that human beings with unique life stories and multiple layers of identity are boxed in terms of only one trait or perceived identity: race-ethnicity. The act of ethnic reductionism implies the temporary denial of the wholeness of self, of the fullness of being. That is in itself a form of humiliation.” Responders (Audrey Kobayashi (Professor, Queen’s University), Monika Kin Gagnon (Professor, Concordia University, Raj Gill, (Langara College), and Marcia Crosby (University of British Columbia), and members of the audience, made some queries and challenged some of Essed’s points, especially her notion of liberation from identity politics.
Building Partnerships and Right Relations with Aboriginal Peoples was sponsored by the NAJC Human Rights Committee, and organized by Committee members Judy Hanazawa, Terumi Kuwada, and Kim Uyede-Kai, in consultation with Aboriginal advisor participants, Lorna Williams (Assistant Professor and Director of Aboriginal Education, University of Victoria) and Gloria Wilson (Elder, Social worker, and former Director of Social Development, Squamish Nation) to produce a Talking Circle format. Lorna Williams and Mary (Murakami) Kitagawa presented personal stories. The workshop encouraged strengthening of good relations between Aboriginal Peoples and Japanese Canadian communities, and in addition recommended future such events which could support a healing and family story sharing process for Japanese Canadians.
Community development workshops were presented by both youth and senior groups. Faces and Roles of Young Japanese Canadians shared and reflected on stories by some inspiring youths, who spoke about their entrepreneurial, academic, artistic, and community activities, as they deal with their own sense of identity with their Japanese ancestry. The panelists consisted of a Documentary Filmmaker (Anne Marie Nakagawa), Musician and Educator (Jason De Couto), Lawyer (Denise Nawata), Entrepreneur and Powell Street Festival President (John Yamazaki), and Owner of the restaurant, Hapa Izakaya (Justin Ault). Interestingly, the stories they shared expressed lives which were learned through understanding, embracing, rejecting and sometimes even financially exploiting their Japanese ancestry.
Looking back, and forward into the future, Envisioning the Future: Japanese Canadian Redress Foundation, moderated by Katherine Shozawa, began with the screening of a documentary by Mieko Ouchi, Saiki (Regeneration), and an overview by Henry Shimizu (JC Redress Foundation Chair), regarding the formation of the JC Redress Foundation, 1989, for the purpose of allocating community redress funds, and a summary of grant recipients by Tony Tamayose (JC Redress Foundation CEO).
Angele Thibault and Gayle Swanson (Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre, New Denver), Kristen Lambertson (General Manager and Programming Director, Powell Street Festival), Rika Uto (President, Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall), Cathy Makihara (former CEO National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre), and Jay Hirabayashi (Dancer and Executive Director, Kokoro Dance), representing community organizations which received Foundation funds, discussed their current works and programs, toward an envisioning of a future which includes not only programs, but funding challenges, as well as questions about leadership.
Telling Stories, Questioning Japanese Canadian Identities: Research, Writing, Visual Art as Cultural Practices, was the title of a panel discussion moderated by Scott Toguri McFarlane to mark the importance of the need for contemporary JC literature and visual arts.The moderator notes that the role of storytelling in the struggle for redress cannot be underestimated, and remembers Joy Kogawa’s Obasan repeatedly being referenced and quoted in speeches by politicians on the Redress Settlement day. He says, twenty years after Redress, one of the exciting challenges for the community is to develop new narratives, as well as visual representations, that give meaning to the contemporary experience of being “JC.” A panel comprised of four key community storytellers was assembled for the conference: Dr. Kirsten McAllister (School of Communications, SFU), Hiromi Goto (author of award-winning Chorus of Mushrooms), Dr. Mona Oikawa (York University) and Dr. Roy Miki, C.M. (poet, writer, author of Redress: Inside the Japanese Canadian Call for Justice).
A panel discussion which focused on Ijusha and Nikkei (Immigrants’) Community, Past, Present and Future, questioned the adaptation and integration of Ijusha or postwar immigrants, through various phases, i.e., after the Redress Settlement of 1988, and what the on-going issues are in looking to the future. Moderated by Masa Kagami (NAJC Executive Board Member), the introduction was given by Tatsuo Kage on the History of Postwar Immigration and the Nikkei Community, followed by presentations from panelists Alex Nagao from Calgary (Intermarriage Families bring changes to the Community); Yumi Schoenhofer from Ottawa (Female Immigrants in the Multicultural Society), Takeshi Ogasawara from Campbell River, B.C. (Immigrants in a Small Town), and Yusuke Tanaka from Toronto (Future of the Nikkei Community). A second panel consisted of Leslie Komori (Sansei/Third Generation Experience), Takeo Yamashiro (Intergenerational Cooperation through Tonari Gumi), Naoko Takei (The Future of Heritage Language and Culture), Etsuko Kato (ICU, Tokyo, Student Residents, Working Holiday or Work Visa), and Mitsuo Hayashi (The Role of NikkeiPlace).
Throughout the conference, video (looped) screenings were offered which included related works by Lynda Nakashima, Rafael Tsuchida and Lyndsay Sung, The Powell Street Revue and Rick Shiomi, Ruby Truly, Jay Hirabayashi, Alejandro Yoshizawa, and Michael Fukushima, works spanning from 1980 through 2008.
There were two special performances:
One was performed on the rooftop of Sunrise Market, adjacent to a building where Japanese Canadians registered for internment in the heart of old `Japantown’ on the Friday evening. Kokoro Dance’s Ghosts, featured twelve dancers, three bagpipes, one drummer, and a wealth of inspiration. Ghosts pays homage to the incarnations and past inhabitants of the Powell Street area. The titular ghosts re Japanese Canadian, as well as the ghosts of all immigrants, of lives past, and of the thousands who have lived in the Downtown Eastside. Ghosts was co-commissioned by the Dancing on the Edge Festival, the Powell street Festival, and the NAJC.
The other was held on both Friday evening and Sunday afternoon, sponsored by the NAJC, Chi Kyuu No Stage/Frontline for Peace, is a multi-media performance that screens images of conflict-torn countries, including Somalia, Afghanistan, etc., with narrations and original music compiled by Dr. Norihiko Kuwayama (Yamagata Prefecture, Japan). Intended for diverse audiences with special focus on youth, the performance has through the years toured all over Japan and this was their first performance outside of Japan.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE CANADIANS
The National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) was organized to seek justice for Canadians of Japanese ancestry because of their history of ethnic persecution, racial discrimination and internment. Established on November 10, 1985, it went to achieve a historic and precedent setting Redress settlement from the Canadian Government on September 22, 1988.
Although Redress was achieved in 1988, the mandate of the NAJC to protect the best interests of Japanese Canadians remains as necessary and relevant today as in the past. The unique history of Japanese Canadians belongs to those who are Canadian born and those who have immigrated. This shared experience has forever shaped and bound the Japanese Canadian community regardless of origin.
The primary aim of this Association is:
- to enable all Japanese Canadians to work together on matters of concern to the Japanese Canadian community and to individual members who require support and representation; to work independently and with others to eliminate racial discrimination and related intolerances, to work in close cooperation with other organizations seeking redress for historic or other injustices, and to take collective action to better the political, social, educational and economic welfare of all Canadians.
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May 5, 2009
Spring has arrived and brings new life and beginnings to all of us. It is a time in most communities that we honour our Seniors, at Keirokai. Without the pioneering efforts, dedication and hard work of our Seniors, our communities would not have benefited from the spirit and life that has been the foundation of everything that we know. A grateful community gives thanks to all Seniors!
Spring can also bring unwelcome events. In Manitoba, we are experiencing a tremendous flooding in many outlying communities along the Red River, including parts of Winnipeg. Mother Nature can have a fierce impact on all of us. Manitobans are well known for their generous spirit and willingness to lend a hand when tragedy strikes. This is seen everyday in the huge outpour of volunteers sandbagging to save people’s homes.
I am reminded of the many volunteers in our communities across the country who give so much of their time and talent for the betterment of our communities. Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
The NAJC Human Rights Committee met in Vancouver at the end of March/09. The guest speaker was Ros Salvador, a lawyer that specializes in human rights. Ros provided the committee and the Greater Vancouver Human Rights Committee, with an overview of the Charter of Rights and Freedom, as well as federal and provincial human rights legislation. In speaking about specific issues that affect Canadians, such as Bill C-31 and the matters related to Omar Khadr, Ros added to greater understanding and awareness of these important issues. The NAJC HRC spent the remainder of the workshop discussing priorities for the HRC and developing action plans. It is the wish of the NAJC HRC to welcome more members across the country to join this important committee of the NAJC. Please consider this opportunity to contribute to the work of the Human Rights Committee. Masa Kagami, Vice President of the NAJC, is the Chair of the Human Rights Committee and can be contacted at national@najc.ca
The Endowment Committee met in Winnipeg on April 18, 2009, in the new office space of the NAJC. The task for the committee is always a challenge—to make decisions about so many applications that speak of the talent and creativity amongst us.
The NAJC welcomes comments, suggestions, questions, etc. Please contact us at www.najc.ca
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April 5, 2009
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 a (in)famous corner, known as “Confusion Corner”. We have signed a lease for six months, which will allow us to assess our needs and determine a long term plan for the NAJC office.
The Endowment Committee is meeting in Winnipeg on April 18 and will be the first committee to use our new space. We welcome Jeff Chiba Stearns and Karlau Uyeda to our committee of Deanna Oye, Sally Ito and myself. The Endowment Funds were created following the completed work of the Japanese Canadian Redress Foundation. There was a wish to continue a legacy of the NAJC Redress Campaign, by providing the means for individuals, groups and organizations to contribute to the life and spirit of our communities. The Endowment Committee is given the task of reviewing applicants in two categories—Sports, Education, Arts Development (SEAD) and Cultural Development (CD). It is most gratifying to see the breadth of talent and creativity across the country. Please check out our website for more information and submit your ideas.
A few months ago, I mentioned that Roy Inouye, a Past President of the NAJC, reminded me of the 60th Anniversary of the day that Japanese Canadians were given full citizenship rights (April 1, 1949). This prompted me to write a letter to the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada. The right to vote is a defining factor in a democratic society and as such, carries responsibilities for each of us to uphold.
The National Executive Board will be meeting in Winnipeg, on April 25-26. Given the current economic climate, the NEB is very conscious of the impact that this may have on our programs and activities in the future. We welcome any ideas, comments, suggestions from our communities. The members of the NEB play a liaison role in their areas, assisting and responding to any inquiries. Please contact the following NEB member in the area noted, if you have any concerns. The contact information for the NEB member can be obtained by contacting the National office, at 204-943-2910 or at national@najc.ca
Terumi Kuwada Winnipeg
Masa Kagami Vernon, Kamloops
Alan Tanaka Calgary
Angela Foreman Ottawa
Takashi Ohki Edmonton, Lethbridge
Pamela Sugiman Toronto, Hamilton
Steve Seller Thunder Bay
Grace Thomson Vancouver
Spring has arrived! Enjoy!
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March 5, 2009
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 chance to examine the evolution of our country and how African-Americans helped us ever closer to becoming a more perfect union.”
Recently, in Manitoba, we celebrated “Louis Riel Day”. Louis Riel was hanged as a traitor following the Battle of Batoche, for leading a rebellion to protect the rights of the Metis peoples. Today he is touted as a hero. History teaches us many lessons, lest we forget. The NAJC is committed to addressing issues related to the history of Japanese Canadians and will be developing a Heritage Committee to deal with these important matters.
Congratulations to Dr. Jim Tanaka and the Japanese Heritage Enthusiast Group, for their efforts in successfully securing the relocation of the Steveston Japanese Fishermen’s Hospital Complex to the Steveston Museum.
The NAJC Human Rights Committee is currently planning a meeting of the committee who represent membership organizations across Canada. There is no end to issues that are important to the Human Rights Committee. However, due to our limited resources we need to prioritize our activities in this area. Recently, a questionnaire was circulated to the membership, related to a workshop that is being planned for later this year, “Honouring our Past”. The Greater Vancouver JCCA Human Rights Committee and the NAJC Human Rights Committee are hosting this event. This workshop will focus on the stories related to the Internment of Japanese Canadians and how these stories relate to family and community history. Please take time to respond to the questionnaires and return them to the sender. The questionnaire can be found on page 14.
The NAJC is undergoing some changes at the head office. The most pressing matter relates to a longstanding dispute that the NAJC has had with the owners of the space that we rent. We anticipate a resolution to this matter very shortly.
Spring is almost here! A few weeks ago, Winnipeg experienced an unusual phenomenon—rain in the middle of winter!! We have paid the price for that, with icy streets and sidewalks!! It’s always sunny anyway in the winter!
The NAJC welcomes comments, suggestions, questions, etc.
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