Nikkei Memorial Internment Centre in New Denver, Canada, Celebrated its 30th Anniversary NEW

The Nikkei Memorial Internment Centre, located in New Denver, Canada, celebrated its 30th anniversary on June 25, 2024. This Centre, the only site in Canada dedicated to telling the story of Japanese Canadians' internment during World War II, hosted a day-long event with over 100 attendees. The anniversary celebration included speeches, cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, and workshops, culminating in an evening celebration dinner.

Norm Masaji Ibuki, a descendant of interned families, reflected on the significance of the Centre, describing how it transformed a site of confinement and despair into one of hope and healing. The Centre stands on part of the former "Orchard" internment camp and is within walking distance of other notable sites like the Kohan Garden and Centennial Park. Designated a National Historical Site of Canada in 2010, the Centre continues to honor the memory and resilience of the over 22,000 Japanese Canadians forcibly relocated during the war.

The event highlighted the community's efforts to preserve and share this history, with local support from groups like the Kyowakai Society. The celebration reaffirmed the Centre's role in educating future generations about this dark chapter in Canadian history, ensuring the lessons of the past are not forgotten.

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About Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre
The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre (NIMC) is a National Historic Site dedicated to telling the story of over 22,000 Japanese Canadians who were forcibly relocated during World War II. Located on the site of “The Orchard” internment camp in New Denver, BC, the NIMC contains original buildings, period artifacts and interpretive displays as well as the Heiwa Teien Peace Garden, designed by the renowned Japanese Canadian gardener, Tomomichi (Roy) Sumi.