'Cultural Tides' explores Japanese-Canadian history of Island's West Coast

A new exhibit at the Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Museum opened on Aug. 15 focusing on Japanese Canadians contributions to Vancouver Island's west coast.  Cultural Tides: Nikkei Journey in Clayoquot Sound highlights Japanese Canadians who lived in the area during the early 20th century. The term "Nikkei" refers to Canadians who are of Japanese descent. “The exhibition tells the story of Japanese Canadians and how they came here, the lives they built, the challenges they faced and the ways they contributed to the community,” said Chris Reitze, manager of the Tofino Museum.   During the Second World War, most of the Nikkei community were forced to leave the Island and were taken to internment camps. Once the war ended, the Government of Canada made it mandatory that Japanese Canadians must relocate to Japan or eastern Canada, making the already small Japanese community in Tofino almost obsolete. This exhibit is meant to raise awareness around the injustices and discrimination that Japanese Canadians faced at this time.   “The exhibition includes personal accounts from those who lived through the internment period. We are showing the deep impact on families and livelihoods during and after (the Second World War),” said Reitze.   Like many Japanese Canadians during the Second World War, life drastically changed for the Nikkei community after the bombing of Pearl Harbour on Dec. 7, 1941.   By 1942, Japanese Canadians were forced to give up their livelihood: their homes and fishing boats were confiscated and they were sent to internment camps or later deported to Japan.   “(The Second World War) was a challenging phase. We do not shy away from these difficult chapters,” Reitze said.   “The exhibition includes personal accounts from those who lived through the internment period. We are showing the deep impact on families and livelihoods during and after WWII,” he added.   Most of the Japanese Canadians did not return to Clayoquot Sound after the Second World War ended as they were forced to relocate to Japan or to eastern Canada, places unfamiliar to most.    “It is a small community out here. A couple families came back, but not the whole community,” Reitze said.   This greatly impacted their way of life and many looked for a community elsewhere.   In 1998, the Government of Canada issued an apology to Japanese Canadians and an agreement was settled.   As the 80th anniversary to the end of the Second World War approaches, Reitze believes these issues of  discrimination are still relevant today.   “This particular story of the Nikkei reminds us of the dangers of exclusion ... and the strength that comes from diversity and community support,” he said.   “At the end of the day (this) is the message people should take away.”  Reitze also shared how the exhibit explores their life working in the fishing industry and building a community on the Island. The opening of the exhibit was a success, said Reitze, and people of all ages attended.  "A wonderful mix of community members, visitors, and families connected to the history being shared," he said. "It was great to see how engaged people were with the exhibit, especially the audio stories and photos. Many guests expressed gratitude that this part of Clayoquot Sound's history is being acknowledged and displayed."    The museum (331 Main St. in the blue building) is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with guided tours offered on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.