A dark period in Canadian history is being turned into an opportunity for awareness and continued reconciliation.
That was the message presented during an unveiling ceremony for Japanese-Canadian heritage markers and a sakura cherry tree at Mitchell’s Bay on Friday.
In 1942, the War Measures Act forced 22,000 Japanese-Canadians from British Columbia into incarceration camps, settlements, and prisoner-of-war camps across Canada.
That year, through the Ontario Farm Labour Force Project, men were placed in southwestern Ontario, including Chatham-Kent, as farm labourers.
Takako Ito, Consul General of Japan in Toronto, said she was honoured to be a part of Friday’s event, which included a group of Japanese-Canadian residents, traditional music and refreshments.
“The hardships that Japanese-Canadians suffered in the past are being once again recognized as an important part of Canadian history,” she said. “Cherry trees are being planted as a symbol of lasting friendship and goodwill from the Japanese-Canadian community towards the people of Chatham-Kent.”
Local sites involved with the Ontario Farm Labour Force Project included Chatham, Dover Township, Dresden, Eatonville and Valetta.
The eventual acceptance of the Japanese-Canadian workers into the community was assisted through the support of church groups and farmers.
Last year, the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) initiated conversations with the municipality to review the possibility of saving the Eatonville property, located at the corner of Highway 3 and Kent Bridge Road, that had housed Japanese-Canadian labourers.
However, after a review of the structure’s condition and costs involved with purchasing the property, renovations and maintenance, there was a mutual agreement that this was not feasible.
Ken Noma, NAJC past-president, recounted the history of Japanese-Canadians, noting they didn’t receive the right to vote until 1949.
“These are things that we take for granted,” he said. “And just remember, 1949 isn’t that far ago.”
He also touched on other aspects of Chatham-Kent’s heritage, including its involvement in the Underground Railroad.
“You should be proud of that history,” he said. “It speaks volumes about the compassion of the residents.”
The design, fabrication and installation of the interpretive panels was funded by the Toronto NAJC, the national NAJC Community Renewal Fund, the Hastings Park Foundation, Rotary Club of Bay Bloor, the Japanese Consul General, Hamilton Chapter NAJC, and individual donations.
Other dignitaries in attendance Friday included Patricia Simpson, Hamilton NAJC president; Jim Moore, Bay Bloor Rotary past-president; Mayor Randy Hope; North Kent Coun. Leon Leclair; Minister of Infrastructure and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton; and Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls.
Leclair, who emceed the event, said Japanese-Canadians made many contributions locally and across the country. He also credited everyone involved in the heritage project.
“We are a better community because of these efforts,” he said.
from Chatham Daily News https://ift.tt/2oPqO8V
via IFTTT https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
No comments: