Fall Updates

We have been ZOOM-ing around the country as the pandemic has created new opportunities to meet with organizations and decision makers at all levels.  Here in Toronto, on October 6^th, a very successful Virtual Town Hall with Mayor Tory was held, a first, and not the last, as the Mayor has committed to making it a yearly event.

While there was a limit to the number of questions that could be squeezed into an hour, a broad range of topics was covered including; questions from Momiji Healthcare Society, The Hiroshima-Nagasaki Coalition, the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL), the Faculty of Arts, Ryerson University via its Dean, Dr. Pamela Sugiman, the fate of the Temple Bell at Ontario Place and as well as plans to address homelessness in Toronto.

The 1942 Toronto ban of Japanese Canadians from the City was raised, and the Mayor acknowledged the discussions currently taking place with the Toronto NAJC. Two interesting stories emerged from this discussion. The first, how in the late 1948’s a young woman named Hazel Journeaux sent a letter to Prime Minister Mackenzie King to say that Japanese Canadians should be compensated for the injustices imposed by the government. And that this Hazel, went on to become the beloved Hazel McCallion, the long-time mayor of Mississauga. Mayor Tory then related how Miko Okino who was employed by his grandfather went on to become a dear family friend of the Tory’s as well as an employee of Ted Rogers and a family friend of the Roger’s family as well.

Exiles in Our Own Country, Japanese Canadians in Niagara

This project is based on the book of the same name, authored by Addie Kobayashi. The Toronto NAJC is partnering with the Town of Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre, which initiated the project. In developing a virtual history exhibit that will form part of the Museum of History archives.

Participants in the project will take part in a workshop conducted by the Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling of Concordia University. Attendees will learn about the connection between oral history, digital media, and the arts. As well as an introduction to archiving and analysis. 

We are looking for participants who have a personal or family connection to Japanese Canadians who lived in the Niagara Peninsula and would like to conduct an interview with one or more of these individuals. The workshop will likely take place in late November or early December. Contact Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi torontonajc@gmail.com if you would like more information.

FRIENDS OF THE TEMPLE BELL

The Toronto NAJC is leading this ad hoc committee following the fate of the Temple Bell at Ontario Place. Ron Shimizu is the lead and has been corresponding with Ontario Place. Permission has been granted to hold a socially distanced gathering with a maximum of 25 individuals at the Temple Bell. Please email torontonajc@gmail.com if you are interested in this project and can add some historical details. Mayor Tory will be writing to Premier Doug Ford to let him know the City of Toronto is willing to house the Bell on City property should there be a need to move it from Ontario Place.

1942 TORONTO BAN OF JAPANESE CANADIANS

Three meetings with Mayor Tory’s office have taken place thus far. The latest, on November 3^rd had in attendance, Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi, Maryka Omatsu, Randy Sakauye and Ron Shimizu. While the City is very motivated to acknowledge this historical wrong, further research is needed to see whether the issue fits into the legal framework of the City of Toronto Apology Act. The Toronto NAJC has copies of the Mayor’s correspondence where he refuses entry to Japanese Canadians and press clippings reporting on the Ban.  

VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE FORMER MOHAWK RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL

Tuesday, November 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

This virtual tour video was created with local production company Thru the Red Door, and it follows the guide, Lorrie Gallant, as she gives a tour of the former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School in Brantford, Ontario. During the video, Lorrie provides the history of the institution over its 140-year history. Viewers will tour different rooms in the school, from the girls’ and boys’ dormitories, the cafeteria, laundry room, and other rooms throughout the building, as well as hear interviews from five Survivors of the Mohawk Institute.  Learn more: https://woodlandculturalcentre.ca/the-campaign/

This educational opportunity will be facilitated by Carley Gallant-Jenkins, “Save the Evidence” Coordinator”. There are 24 spots available for Toronto NAJC members. Register for this FREE event by emailing Kim Uyede-Kai kuyede1@gmail.com with the subject line “Virtual Tour”. If the tour is filled up, your name will be placed on a waiting list.

While there was a limit to the number of questions that could be squeezed into an hour, a broad range of topics was covered including; questions from Momiji Healthcare Society, The Hiroshima-Nagasaki Coalition, the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL), the Faculty of Arts, Ryerson University via its Dean, Dr. Pamela Sugiman, the fate of the Temple Bell at Ontario Place and as well as plans to address homelessness in Toronto.

Exiles in Our Own Country, Japanese Canadians in Niagara

This project is based on the book of the same name, authored by Addie Kobayashi. The Toronto NAJC is partnering with the Town of Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre, which initiated the project. In developing a virtual history exhibit that will form part of the Museum of History archives.

Participants in the project will take part in a workshop conducted by the Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling of Concordia University. Attendees will learn about the connection between oral history, digital media, and the arts. As well as an introduction to archiving and analysis. 

We are looking for participants who have a personal or family connection to Japanese Canadians who lived in the Niagara Peninsula and would like to conduct an interview with one or more of these individuals. The workshop will likely take place in late November or early December. Contact Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi torontonajc@gmail.com if you would like more information.

FRIENDS OF THE TEMPLE BELL

The Toronto NAJC is leading this ad hoc committee following the fate of the Temple Bell at Ontario Place. Ron Shimizu is the lead and has been corresponding with Ontario Place. Permission has been granted to hold a socially distanced gathering with a maximum of 25 individuals at the Temple Bell. Please email torontonajc@gmail.com if you are interested in this project and can add some historical details. Mayor Tory will be writing to Premier Doug Ford to let him know the City of Toronto is willing to house the Bell on City property should there be a need to move it from Ontario Place.

1942 TORONTO BAN OF JAPANESE CANADIANS

Three meetings with Mayor Tory’s office have taken place thus far. The latest, on November 3^rd had in attendance, Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi, Maryka Omatsu, Randy Sakauye and Ron Shimizu. While the City is very motivated to acknowledge this historical wrong, further research is needed to see whether the issue fits into the legal framework of the City of Toronto Apology Act. The Toronto NAJC has copies of the Mayor’s correspondence where he refuses entry to Japanese Canadians and press clippings reporting on the Ban.