President’s Message

Hi everyone!
It’s only been a few weeks since our last Bulletin was sent out and in that time we have already enjoyed a number of events. Last month, of course we had our Keiro-kai which had a wonderful turnout of almost 160 seniors. What a fantastic number considering the short period of time we had to get things done. I was so glad to see so many come out and enjoy themselves. A week later about 200 people attend the annual Shinnen-kai New Year’s Community dinner too. Thanks to all for being so supportive!
As we told you last month, the Bulletin will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year in April. The Bulletin has undergone several changes in format in these 50 years. Once upon a time The Bulletin, despite providing important information, was more of a community newsletter for GVJCCA members. Over time, it has grown and evolved to become more of a magazine with a variety of articles of broader interest. We would like to expand in this area, but we also would love to expand the number of our advertisers. We hope to overcome a decrease of advertisers over the last few years, and achieve new growth in this area. In January, the GVJCCA entered the digital age by going online and becoming part of the World Wide Web. The new website, built by our editor John Endo Greenway, is still in its infancy. We hope that you visit www.jccabulletin-geppo.ca and let us know what you think. If there are articles that you would like considered for publication, please let us know by emailing to gvjcca@shaw.ca or our editor editor@bigwavedesign.net.
And speaking of anniversaries, 2008 marks a number of other milestones. This year will also be the 20th Anniversary of the Nikkei Voice; 15th Anniversary of Chibi Taiko; 20th Anniversary of Uzume Taiko (Canada’s first professional taiko group); 80th Anniversary Steveston Buddhist Church; and 80 years of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations. During 2008, many Japanese Canadian organizations plus other Canadian ethnic organizations will be participating in the NAJC’S conference in Vancouver commermorating the 20th Anniversary of Redress. This special celebration conference will take place from September 19 – 21, both at the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall and Nikkei Place. Member organizations in other cities across Canada will also host commemorative events to mark the twenty years since the signing of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement.
On March 29, 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 build a stronger tomorrow for our children and our children’s children.

A special reminder, on Saturday February 16th, at Nikkei Place the GVJCCA will be hosting a fundraising Valentine’s Dance. The time will be from 7pm – 12:30am and the cost will be $25. Tickets are available through the GVJCCA office. Please email gvjcca@shaw.ca or shagando@hotmail.com. Or call at 604.777.5222.

Have a great YEAR of the MOUSE!

Thanks
Ron Nishimura
President, GVJCCA