NAJC Redress 2008 registration form.pdfRemembering the Past
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September 22, 1988 is a day that I will always remember, I sat in the House of Commons and heard the words of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, addressed to the Japanese Canadian community for the injustices they suffered during and after World War II:
Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for members of all sides of the House in offering to Japanese Canadians the formal and sincere apology of this Parliament for those past injustices against them, their families, and their heritage, and our solemn commitment to Canadians of every origin that they will never again be countenanced or repeated.
As I listened to the carefully chosen words of the Prime Minister’s speech announcing the Redress Agreement negotiated with the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC), memories of the five years of the redress campaign flashed through my mind—the struggle within the Japanese Canadian community, the struggle with the Government and five successive Ministers of State for Multiculturalism, and the struggle to win the approval of the Canadian public. The redress issue became a test for all of us who were involved in the NAJC. Would we be able to take and maintain a strong position on redress, and would we be able to persist until our goal of a “just and honourable” settlement was achieved?
Arthur K. Miki, C.M.
Excerpt from Justice in Our Time.
The Japanese Canadian Redress Settlement (1991)Talon Books, Vancouver,
by Roy Miki and Cassandra Kobayashi
Arthur K. Miki, C.M.
Excerpt from Justice in Our Time.
The Japanese Canadian Redress Settlement (1991)Talon Books, Vancouver,
by Roy Miki and Cassandra Kobayashi
Reflecting the Past in the Present/Imagining the Future
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September 22, 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Redress Agreement, an unprecedented historic event, important not only to Japanese Canadians, but to all other minority groups as well.
To mark this significant event, National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC), joined by its membership organization, Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens Association, will host a national celebration with a program consisting of cultural performances and conference sessions, and receptions and gala dinner.
To mark this significant event, National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC), joined by its membership organization, Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens Association, will host a national celebration with a program consisting of cultural performances and conference sessions, and receptions and gala dinner.
The event expects to bring together individuals and groups of diverse culture and ethnicity to not only remember and celebrate past accomplishments but also to reflect upon current issues and to work together in various partnerships toward achieving a better world for all.
Your participation in this event will, I’m sure, help to make this a memorable event.
Please register, and join us.
Grace Eiko Thomson
President, NAJC
Your participation in this event will, I’m sure, help to make this a memorable event.
Please register, and join us.
Grace Eiko Thomson
President, NAJC
