NAJC Endowment Fund

After many years of struggle to seek redress for the unjust treatment of Japanese Canadians by the Canadian government during and after World War II, the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement was signed by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and NAJC President Art Miki, on September 22, 1988. The Redress Agreement acknowledged the unjust actions of the Canadian government and provided a symbolic redress for those actions. $12 million was provided to the Japanese Canadian community through the NAJC to undertake educational, social and cultural activities and programs that contribute to the well being of the community or promote human rights. The Japanese Canadian Redress Foundation (JCRF) was established by the NAJC for the purpose of allocating the $12 million community redress payment on behalf of the Japanese Canadian community.

In furtherance of the purpose of the community redress payment, the Redress Foundation entrusted the NAJC to administer a Sports, Education, Arts Development (SEAD) and Cultural Development (CD) Program. It is the intent of the Redress Foundation and the NAJC to ensure that the benefits realized from the Redress Agreement continue to benefit and enhance the development of the Japanese Canadian community and its members into the new millennium.

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Community Development Fund

The Community Development grants program for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022 is a $30,000 facility, available only to Member and Supporting Organizations of the NAJC. Organizations anticipating a loss of fundraising revenues because of a continued need to comply with COVID-19 health restrictions may apply for a Community Development grant. Organizations may also apply for a Community Development grant for a program or initiative that develops the capacity of the organization, benefits its members, and advances the aims of the NAJC.

The maximum grant award is $3,000 for a Member Organization, and $1,500 for Supporting Organizations. The deadline is April 30, 2021.

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Young Leaders Fund

The Young Leaders Committee of the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) is proud to manage the Young Leaders Fund to support youth across Canada, giving Japanese Canadian youth the opportunity to help realize projects and initiatives. Successful applicants can receive up to $,2000 for their projects or initiatives. Please see the Information for Applicants form for more details. Applications can be submitted no later than October 31, 2023.

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NAJC Scholarships and Awards – Awarded by NAJC

The deadline for applying to the following awards granted by NAJC is June 30, 2020. Send an email with the subject line “NAJC Scholarships and Awards” to national@najc.ca indicating the award, the nominee and reasons for the nomination. Attach any documentation such as references in support of the nomination, and provide contact details for the selection panel to obtain further information. Self-nominations will be accepted.

Art Miki National Leadership Award

The Art Miki National Leadership Award is given every two years to an individual who has shown leadership and who has made outstanding contributions to strengthen the Japanese-Canadian community at both the local and the national level. It is a lasting acknowledgement to the pivotal role played by Dr. Miki in the Redress Settlement of 1988 with the Government of Canada as well as his continued advocacy for human rights for all Canadians. The Award – formally known as the NAJC National Award – is the highest award given by this organization.

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David Fujino Pioneering Artist Award

The David Fujino Pioneering Artist Award is an award granted every two years to a Japanese Canadian artist.

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Dr Gordon Hirabayashi Human Rights Award

Dr Gordon Hirabayashi Human Rights Award is made in recognition of an individual or organization in Canada contributing to the development or promotion of human rights and equality in Canada. The award is presented every two years at the NAJC AGM. Eligible individuals or groups must be committed to the ideal as stated in the NAJC mission statement, to strive for equal rights and liberties for all people, particularly racial and ethnic minorities. The award is restricted to individuals or groups living or operating in Canada, and it is not given posthumously nor to an organization that is no longer active. The individual need not necessarily be of Japanese ancestry or a member of the NAJC.

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National Merit Award

NAJC member organizations and supporting organizations may nominate individuals who have shown leadership and outstanding contributions in the service of their local community, for recognition at the NAJC AGM.

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NAJC Scholarships and Awards- Administered by Others

The following scholarships and awards have been established in NAJC’s name but are administered by others. Eligibility criteria, application deadlines and application processes are determined by the other parties.

Canadian Japanese-Mennonite Scholarship

The Canadian Japanese-Mennonite Scholarship is a a $2,000 scholarship available to a student who is Canadian or a landed immigrant enrolled in a graduate degree program in Canada, doing research that will assist the protection of minority or human rights. The scholarship is co-sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee Canada and the NAJC.

The scholarship was created as tangible symbol of cooperation between Japanese Canadians and Canadian Mennonites subsequent to a formal apology that was offered to Japanese Canadians by Mennonite Central Committee Canada on behalf of Canadian Mennonites. It is intended to assist the protection of minority and human rights in Canada and to reduce the potential for abuse of cultural minorities such as that suffered by Japanese Canadians during World War II. More information. Applications may be made online at packet 2020

 

Roger Sachio Obata C.M. Prize in International Human Rights Law

The Roger Obata Prize is awarded annually by Osgoode Hall Law School to the student who obtains the highest standing in the International Human Rights course. In the event that this course is not offered an equivalent course designated by the Law School will be substituted.

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Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi Graduate Scholarship in Sociology

Endowed by supporters of the Department of Sociology, University of Alberta in honor of Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi (1918-), who was the first Chairperson of the University of Alberta's Department of Sociology. During his years as department head, he led his colleagues in building one of Canada's leading Sociology departments. Dr. Hirabayashi's North America-wide reputation as a defender of minority group rights is based on his principled resistance to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II when he forced a United States Supreme Court ruling that led to his own imprisonment. Four decades later, in 1987, the ruling was overturned.

Awarded annually to a student registered full-time in a graduate degree program in the Department of Sociology at the University of Alberta with research interests in one or more of the following areas: human rights, race and ethnic relations, social inequality, or social justice. The recipients will be selected on the basis of superior academic achievement (equivalent to a grade point average of 3.5 or greater on the University of Alberta grading scale). Application forms are available in the graduate student office in the Department of Sociology, 5-21 Tory, University of Alberta. Eligible students should submit their application to the department.

 

NAJC Scholarships and Awards- No longer offered

Hide Hyodo-Shimizu Scholarship

The National Association of Japanese Canadians and the Landscapes of Injustice Partnership Project are proud to jointly announce the NAJC LOI Hide Hyodo-Shimizu Research Scholarship. Valued at $10,000, this research scholarship will be awarded to a student who was enrolled full time at a Canadian University in the 2017-18 academic year. The successful applicant will join the Landscapes of Injustice research team in late April 2018, participating in its 2018 national Spring Institute, and then join the research team for the duration of the summer.

Suzuka University Scholarship

The National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) and Suzuka University (SU) have established a scholarship program for university students to participate in a 4-month program of study at Suzuka University in Japan to improve their Japanese language proficiency and to experience Japanese culture and education. This opportunity will also strengthen NAJC relationships with Japan to develop greater understanding of Japan and for Japan to understand the Japanese Canadian history and culture.