BC Redress and Japanese Canadian Legacies

On May 21, 2022, the BC Government made an historic announcement, marking a pivotal moment in our community, one that honours our elders past and present. Following the BC Redress historical wrongs framework, developed under the National Association of Japanese Canadians and led by BC Redress Project Director Susanne Tabata, a $100 million dollar commitment was announced, reflecting funding for legacy initiatives under six pillars: Monument; Education; Seniors Health and Wellness; Community and Culture; Heritage Restoration; and Anti-racism.

At the time of the announcement, the agreements had not yet been finalized, and the funds had not been released. In September and October 2022, two grants totalling 62 million were issued to the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society to address pre-determined legacy initiatives in education, heritage, seniors health & wellness, and community & culture.

In March 2024, one additional grant was executed for 18.7 million towards a second community fund. The balance remains with the Province of BC, working in conjunction with the JCLS to develop the Japanese Canadian Monument Park in Victoria.  

Former BC Premier John Horgan made the announcement at the Steveston Martial Arts Centre in front of Japanese Canadian community witnesses, many of whom had provided input during the consultation process. Left to right: Cecilia Point, Kelvin Higo, Naomi Yamamoto, Kelly Greene, Rachna Singh, Susanne Tabata, Premier John Horgan, Mary Kitagawa, Aki Horii, Lorene Oikawa, Jim Kojima

Japanese Canadian Legacies Society

The Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS) was incorporated on June 29, 2022.  The JCLS is accountable to both the BC Government and the community in its oversight of the implementation of the BC Redress framework developed 2020 – 2022.

Board members are Paul Kariya, President; Larry Okada, Treasurer; Brian Tsuji, Secretary; Karen Nishi; Fred Yada; and Les Kojima, the NAJC representative on the Board. Founder and former BC Redress Project Director Susanne Tabata is Chief Executive Officer.

The Japanese Canadian Legacies Society will plan to begin wind down in 2028.

Left to right: Karen Nishi, Brian Tsuji, Larry Okada, Fred Yada, Paul Kariya, Susanne Tabata, Les Kojima (insert).

“The Government of British Columbia acknowledges the hardships and trauma people suffered because of government inaction and action before, during and after the war. We know that healing the wounds of the past is a long process. Across government and together with our partners, we are focused on honouring the diversity and contributions of all communities to the BC that we live in today. It is more important than ever that we learn from the mistakes of the past and acknowledge historical injustices. And to not let any power or persuasion deter us for standing up for our fellow citizens and protecting the human rights we hold dear.” – Former BC Premier John Horgan

Steveston seniors with Premier John Horgan following May 21 announcement.

The Japanese Canadian Legacies Society is grateful to the Province of BC, the governments of former BC Premier John Horgan and current Premier David Eby, and the Ministries of the Attorney General and Citizens’ Services, including staff.

Japanese Canadian Legacies are initiatives that honour our elders past and present. We are grateful to be doing this work on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish peoples.