Explore the Japanese Canadian Experience at Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre

Exploring the Japanese Canadian Experience at Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre

If you’re interested in learning about the Japanese Canadian experience, the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby, British Columbia should be on your must-visit list. This museum is one of the only places where you will find an extensive collection of artefacts, documents, and photographs related to the Japanese Canadians in Canada.

History of Japanese Canadians in Canada

Japanese Canadians have a long history in Canada dating back to the late 1800s, when they began to immigrate to the country. They were primarily involved in fishing, agriculture, and forestry before World War II. However, when Japan entered the war, the Canadian government declared all Japanese Canadians to be enemy aliens and forced them to move to internment camps.

The internment camps had deplorable living conditions and were overcrowded, with families forced to live in tiny huts. After the war ended, the Japanese Canadians were released from the internment camps, although they were not allowed to return to their homes or their previous jobs.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that the Canadian government apologized for the internment and began to offer financial compensation to those affected.

Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre

The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre was founded in 2000 and is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Japanese Canadians. The museum has a vast collection of artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of the Japanese Canadians from their arrival in Canada to the present day.

One of the most significant exhibits in the museum is the internment camp display, which recreates the living conditions in the internment camps and educates visitors about this dark chapter in Canadian history. Additionally, there are exhibits on the contributions made by Japanese Canadians to Canada, including the fishing industry and the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

Apart from the museum, the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre also has a Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre that offers various classes and cultural events. The Cultural Centre has courses on traditional Japanese arts such as ikebana, calligraphy, and tea ceremony. There are also classes on the Japanese language and martial arts.

Every year, the Cultural Centre hosts events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, where visitors can participate in various activities, eat traditional Japanese cuisine, and enjoy live performances by Japanese artists.

Conclusion

The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Japanese Canadian experience, from the difficult years of internment to their significant contributions to Canada. The museum’s exhibits and collections serve as powerful reminders of the struggles and resilience of the Japanese Canadian community. A visit to the museum is not only educational but also an enriching experience that provides insights into the complex history and culture of Canada.