President’s Message May

Hi everyone!
I hope you’ve all had a chance to read part one of the history of the Bulletin/Geppo. John Endo Greenaway put together a really exciting look at what the Bulletin/Geppo has provided for our Nikkei community over the past fifty years. The Bulletin/Geppo was an important communication tool during the Redress years. It covered controversial issues in the area of social justice and human rights at that important time and continues to do so today. With today’s media exploring such issues more, especially with the advent of the internet, it is most important that our Nikkei community and other ethnic communities look at and learn from them. I am sure everyone has an opinion on what is occurring in their immediate community but it is also important to look at issues in all communities, including conflicts, injustices or challenges, because they can impact us now or in the future. The GVJCCA hopes that you enjoy the second part as much as the first.

As we look back 20 years, to September 22, 1988, the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement was signed by Art Miki, President of the National Association of Japanese Canadians with Prime Minister Brian Mulroney of Canada, acknowledging the injustices committed by our Canadian government against Japanese Canadians during and after WWII. To commemorate this event, the NAJC, with the support of the GVJCCA, is presenting a Redress Celebration Conference on Sept 19-21 here. The 20th Anniversary Celebration Conference website has been launched and online registration is available. You will also find a preliminary list of events and activities. Please visit www.redressanniversary.najc.ca/redress or go to the NAJC website www.najc.ca and click on the 2008 Celebration link. We hope that you will join us on this special weekend.

On Saturday May 24th, at Nikkei Place (Kaede Room), from 1-4:30 pm, the STIBC Japanese Language Division will be hosting a Translation and Interpreting Workshop. This workshop is designed to help individuals improve translation/interpreting skills. Whether you are studying ESL or already freelancing, this workshop will enhance your skills. If you are able to attend this workshop, for a nominal fee of $8 you will be able to improve your skills as well as network. On hand will be several certified EJ/JE translators. If you are looking for additional information please email: STIBC.Japanese@gmail.com.

May is Asian Heritage month in Canada and explorASIAN in Vancouver will be celebrating their 12th anniversary. Members of the Japanese Canadian community will be participating in its many venues and events. The Canadian Government in 2002 officially recognized the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada and the world. Here in Vancouver, we are blessed with a rich diversity of Asian cultures, enriching us socially, culturally, and economically. We hope that you will participate and enjoy many of the events. If you are not aware of any of the events in your community, please log on at http://www.explorasian.org. You will be amazed what is in store for you in your local area.

On the subject of heritage, community organizations met on April 26 and unanimously agreed to launch the Coalition to Save the Legacy Sakura of Oppenheimer Park. This is our community response to the Oppenheimer Park concept plan approved by Vancouver City Council which would destroy heritage Sakura planted by our Nikkei pioneers during the centennial celebration on April 16, 1977. Time is of the essence so that we can convince the City to reverse this plan and more activities are forthcoming.

To all golf enthusiasts, the GVJCCA Golf Tournament will be on Sunday June 22 at Meadow Gardens. Golf Digest has rated Meadow Gardens Golf course as one of the best places to play in North America. Every hole provides its own beauty and challenges, so we hope you will be one of many who enjoy its splendour. Please contact Shag Ando by email shagando@hotmail.com or leave a message at the GVJCCA office 604.777.5222.
Thank you for your ongoing support,

Ron Nishimura, President GVJCCA