President’s Message

Hi everyone and Happy Year of the Ox!
Well, it seems like it’s only been a few weeks since I wrote my last message and so it has been. We’ve already gone through a lot weather wise, and while I am writing this there is a forecast for more snow. To be truthful, I really think we’ve had enough of this weather—bring on the warmth and sunshine! This year will be the Year of the Ox. Oxen people are said to be patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. As a result they tend to be eccentric, and anger easily. They have a tendency towards fierce tempers and although they speak little, when they do, they are quite eloquent. Ox people are known to be mentally and physically alert and are generally easy going, though they can also be stubborn and dislike failing or being opposed. Strangely, I have many of these traits, yet I was born in the Year of the Horse. So what can you say? Anyway, if you were born in the following years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, these traits could describe you. If you really want to make sure you are in a good relationship, make sure that the person was born in the year of the Snake, Rooster, or Rat.
This year’s GVJCCA Keiro-kai was held on January 10. Even though it did snow later that day, all of the 160-plus people who were 70 years of age or older seemed to have a great time. Everyone at this event, which was held at Nikkei Place in Burnaby, enjoyed a wonderful bento from Fujiya and a great selection of entertainment. I would like to thank all who volunteered for your efforts in creating a wonderful day for our seniors. Special thanks to Maria Fuchiwaki and her daughter Emily for taking the time out from her restaurant, Seto’s in Richmond, to MC for us.
The GVJCCA will be holding a Valentine’s Day Dance on Saturday, February 14 at Nikkei Place. This will be our second dance and first fundraiser for 2009. There will be prizes, snacks and DJ music. Tickets ($25) and information are available through the GVJCCA at 604.777.5222 or Nikkei Place. The aim is to help raise funds for the GVJCCA so that we can provide workshops and sessions on various aspects of human rights, Japanese Canadian immigration laws and social justice issues pertinent to the Nikkei community. Raising additional funding also assists us in the publication of The Bulletin and holding community events such as Keiro-kai and the Powell Street Festival.
On March 14, 2009 the Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadians Citizens’ Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting at Nikkei Place from 2 – 4 PM. Nominations are being accepted for our Board of Directors for the upcoming term. The GVJCCA is seeking individuals who will be able to work within the framework of the Japanese Canadian community and its budgetary confines in maintaining its mandate and its purposes. Its purposes are outlined below:
•    developing and maintaining a communication network with multicultural societies in Canada and internationally
•    promoting the appreciation and study of the arts and culture of Japanese Canadians through the organization of community and cultural events
•    educating the Canadian public about the history and cultural heritage of Japanese Canadians and the preservation of these values
•    the education of the citizens of Canada in the various responsibilities expected in Canadian citizenship
•    protecting and promoting the rights and freedoms of all individuals without any discriminatory practices
•    and publishing a forum in the means of a journal for issues significant to its members, persons with Japanese ancestry and others of interest.
Please join us in working to building a stronger tomorrow for our children and children’s children.

Have a great month.
Ron Nishimura
President GVJCCA