There were very few Japanese Canadians living in the Kamloops area prior to World War II. They were farmers, sawmill workers and railroad labourers. In 1941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Canada then declared war on Japan. All persons of Japanese origin living within 100 miles of the Pacific coast were forcefully removed from their homes through a process called evacuation of enemy aliens. Some of these 21,000 Japanese Canadians were deported to Japan. Others were sent to the prairies to work on sugar beet farms and many were herded into hastily built internment camps in the Hope, Lillooet and West Kootenay areas of BC.
After World War Il ended, Japanese Canadians moved to various parts of Canada and many settled in the Kamloops area. The Kamloops Japanese Canadian population rose to nearly 1,700 people.
Through negotiations with the Canadian government, the National Association of Japanese Canadians worked to remove Japanese Canadians from the War Measures Act, an act that limited freedom of movement. Redress was also an important objective and that was achieved in September 1988 in the form of an apology and compensation from the Government of Canada.
The Kamloops Japanese Canadian Association was established in 1977 to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant in Canada. In 1983, Mr. and Mrs. Shintaro Yamada donated a lot and house for a Kamloops cultural centre. Just over a decade later a fully equipped centre with a Japanese cultural motif was built on this site.
A fire destroyed the Kamloops Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre on February 4, 2008. The fire started in a makeshift heater lean-to adjacent to the building, and the main floor of the centre was destroyed, though everyone inside was able to evacuate safely.
The Kamloops Japanese Cultural Center was rebuilt to its original layout by the end of 2009
Big Thanks to the Kamloops Fire Hall, Rebuilding Fund Donors 2009, sister city Uji, NAJC & KJCA members for all the special donations to put the Japanese Cultural Center back to its original state.
At KJCA, our mission is to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Japanese Canadian community. We strive to provide a welcoming space that encourages participation in our events and activities. Through our programs, we aim to foster understanding and appreciation of our history, ensuring it remains vibrant and relevant. Join us in our commitment to preserving and sharing our cultural traditions.
We invite everyone to explore our diverse offerings, from engaging programs to community resources. Together, we can create a more inclusive and informed society that honors our past while looking toward the future.
At KJCA, we provide a welcoming platform for cultural engagement and community connection. Our programs and events reflect our commitment to preserving Japanese Canadian heritage while fostering unity among diverse cultures.
By participating in our initiatives, you contribute to a thriving community focused on collaboration and celebration. We believe in the power of shared stories and experiences, creating bonds that enrich our collective identity.
President
Vice President
Treasurer / Accountant
Secretary
Center Cordinator
Director
Museum Director
NAJC Rep
Director
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