The NAJC wishes you a happy new year!
Akemashite o-medetō-gozaimasu!
2017 was a big year. The NAJC continued to support an Endowment Fund with 12 approved projects (Culture Development – 11; SEAD – 1) of approximately $31,000. The CD Fund helped commemorate 75 years of internment with events in Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Victoria.
The NAJC also contributed to the ongoing Community Renewal Fund, approving approximately $200,000 in project funding over the past two years. The Ottawa AGM and Conference was a resounding success and the entire OJCA gets kudos for a great job. Just like Calgary, Victoria, Vancouver, and others before that, these gatherings are among the precious few times where we can get together from all across the country and talk about who we are and plan our future.
Among the highlights, The Nishga Girl found her way to the Canadian Museum of History; the Japanese Canadians Artists Directory – a partnership with the Powell Street Festival and the Arts Committee of the JCCC in Toronto, was launched in Ottawa at the AGM and its key supporter, the Canada Council of the Arts was there for the unveiling. Japanese Canadian education resources were pioneered during BC Teacher Education Professional Development Days in 2017 with more on the horizon. The NAJC Membership Committee put down its stakes at the Powell Street Festival to high traffic and brand visibility. And Heritage Road Camps is going strong….and digital in 2018.
On June 20, 2017 Art Miki signed the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord on behalf of the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba (JCAM) pledging to further reconciliation and reporting its progress annually to the City. JCAM plans to organize a Circle of Reconciliation bringing together the Japanese Canadian community and indigenous peoples at the Japanese Cultural Centre thereby creating a mutually respected relationship and understanding. There are a number of commonalities between the imposition of residential schools and the internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II and so the sharing of experiences will be invaluable learning experiences for all involved.
Moving into 2018, we are about to launch a new website. Designer John Endo Greenaway is working with NEB members Lisa Uyeda, Bryan Tomlinson & Susanne Tabata to create an information hub for all generations across Canada. We are gathering photos of our community and you’ll be hearing more about this initiative, which is part of the website & membership team.
Remembering our past, engaging our present, and moving to the future, get ready for the commemoration of Redress 30 years later, as Manitoba will aptly be the location of this coming year’s conference. We hope you can join us in Winnipeg September 21-23, 2018, as we address the theme “Human Rights.”
As we say good-bye to 2017, we look forward to 2018 as a year of renewal. The National Executive Board will be searching for a new Executive Director, introducing a new website, and will be getting feedback from member organizations to address the Future Directions Team recommendations regarding the re -structuring of the NEB.
The stage is set for 2018 to be an exciting year! Best wishes to you and your families for a Happy and Healthy 2018!
