TorontoNAJC – May Update
May 31, 2018
Exiles in their own country. Japanese Canadians in Chatham-Kent, Ontario.
A Historic Marker Project.
The mass incarceration of the Japanese Canadian community during the Second World War was not limited within the borders of British Columbia. We must honour the exiles that were sent east of the Rockies, including the 4,000 or more who were deported to Japan – a majority who were Canadian born.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent historical markers project in southwestern Ontario (three hours west of Toronto) will be a permanent reminder to all Canadians of the Japanese Canadian diaspora, the importance of individual civil liberties and the need to be vigilant in protecting our rights as citizens of Canada at all times.
The Heritage Marker Project will place signage at five Work Farm sites in Harwich, Dresden, Dover Centre, Valetta and Eatonville. It is important to note that not all Japanese Canadian farm workers were placed through the Ontario Farm Labour Force Project, some managed to find work through various personal contacts. In addition, neighbouring jurisdictions also employed Japanese Canadian workers. The Project is supported by: Municipality of Chatham-Kent , NAJC, Greater Toronto Chapter NAJC, Hamilton NAJC, Consul-General of Japan in Toronto, Rotary Club of Toronto Bay-Bloor.
Official Unveiling ceremony will be held in Fall 2018. Date, time and location will be posted here when determined.
The Chatham-Kent Historic Marker Committee has heard from former farm workers and invites others to share their memories and photographs. If you know the identity of the individual pictured here let us know. We would love to hear from you.
Contact: Michiko Yano-Shuttleworth at michiko@brefni.ca
Redress Anniversary Gala Reception News
Thursday, November 8, 2018 – TIFF Bell Lightbox
We are three (generations)! The Redress Anniversary Gala Reception Committee met for the 2nd time in May. Our thirteen committee members are an intergenerational blend and includes three generations of two families with input from Nisei organizers-supporters of past Toronto NAJC events Addie Kobayashi and Mae Ogaki, their children and their grandchildren.
We are extremely grateful to Raymond and Sachi Moriyama whose generous sponsorship enables us to hold our Silent Auction-Sale in the TIFF Founders Lounge adjacent to LUMA Restaurant. This is a fantastic setting to showcase our array of items which will include Japanese ‘treasures’, many from the mid-century to pre-war era. Funds raised from the auction will benefit the Momiji Health Care Society which operates the Momiji Seniors home.
Stay tuned for two special early bird ticket offers to be announced in mid-June. Psst . . . and if you buy your tickets before the offer is announced, you will of course be eligible.
DETAILS AND ONLINE TICKET PURCHASE
To receive an alert about the early bird offer complete the contact form below: