Saturday's letters: Curriculum ignores Japanese Canadian internment
Alberta has been built through the contributions of its citizens — many who came from distant shores. It is shocking to see that the proposed K-6 curriculum ignores so many groups, as if they never existed. The experience of Japanese Canadians is one example.
© Provided by Edmonton Journal Relocation of Japanese-Canadians to internment camps in the interior of British Columbia. 1942 AND TO LETHBRIDGE, TABER, ALBERTA
Many Japanese Canadians arrived in Alberta near the end of the Second World War. These families, who were Canadian citizens, were forced from their homes in British Columbia. Their internment and subsequent re-location were in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Imperial Japan.
These families had no part in this, other than their Japanese heritage. Nevertheless, they lost their homes and possessions, their citizenship and freedom. Most were forced to work in the sugar beet fields of southern Alberta in areas like Taber and Picture Butte in very harsh and primitive conditions. None received compensation for their loss and it was not until 1988 that the federal government apologized for its mistreatment of Japanese Canadians and provided modest redress funds to those who were still alive. The emotional toll still exists today for the survivors and their descendants.
We want our children to learn about the experiences of those from different backgrounds. A truthful and informed understanding is vital for today’s youth to recognize the costly mistakes of the past and embrace a more inclusive and understanding society.
Paul Fujishige, president, Edmonton Japanese Community Association
Many Japanese Canadians arrived in Alberta near the end of the Second World War. These families, who were Canadian citizens, were forced from their homes in British Columbia. Their internment and subsequent re-location were in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Imperial Japan.
These families had no part in this, other than their Japanese heritage. Nevertheless, they lost their homes and possessions, their citizenship and freedom. Most were forced to work in the sugar beet fields of southern Alberta in areas like Taber and Picture Butte in very harsh and primitive conditions. None received compensation for their loss and it was not until 1988 that the federal government apologized for its mistreatment of Japanese Canadians and provided modest redress funds to those who were still alive. The emotional toll still exists today for the survivors and their descendants.
We want our children to learn about the experiences of those from different backgrounds. A truthful and informed understanding is vital for today’s youth to recognize the costly mistakes of the past and embrace a more inclusive and understanding society.
Paul Fujishige, president, Edmonton Japanese Community Association
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