The National Association has put out a call for family stories to commemorate two anniversaries in 2022.

2022 is the 80^th anniversary of the start of Internment in 1942. About 22,000 Japanese Canadians were forcibly uprooted, dispossessed, incarcerated, and exiled. This racist act lasted until 1949, four years after the Second World War ended.

This year is also the 75^th anniversary of the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC). The National Japanese Canadian Citizens Association was formed to represent Japanese Canadians across Canada in 1947. The National JCCA changed its name to the National Association of Japanese Canadians in 1980.

These stories are an important part of Canadian history and not usually seen in textbooks and historical accounts. Most of us didn’t hear the stories when growing up. The NAJC is sharing these stories in our social media and here, on our website to commemorate these two anniversaries.

Share a few paragraphs (and a photo or two) about your memories or stories of your family in 1942 or before the uprooting. Also, we want to hear about your or your family’s participation in NAJC events or activities from 1947 to present.

Email your ideas, submissions or any questions to national@najc.ca