Bowen Island – Call for Photographs & Stories

Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island) is an island located in the Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound) region of British Columbia. It is located between West Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast and accessible by ferry. The region was home to a large number of Japanese Canadians prior to World War Two who lived and worked in communitues such as Woodfibre, Britannia Beach, and Indian River.

The Bowen Island Museum & Archives is researching the history of Japanese Canadians on Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island) and in the Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound) region. Our focus is on the early Japanese pioneers who settled in Canada, the thriving prewar communities they established in British Columbia, and the profound impacts of internment during WWII, followed by their forced relocation east of the Rockies after the war.
 
Supported by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Fund, this research will contribute to the creation of a memorial structure. The memorial will offer a contemplative space where residents and visitors can reflect on the history of Japanese internment in Canada and honour the Japanese Canadians who lived and worked on Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island) and in the surrounding Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound) region.
 
The memorial will not only honour those affected but also reflect on the ongoing stories of civil rights struggles and the preservation of Japanese Canadian culture and heritage across the country.
 
We are seeking photographs and stories that capture the lives and experiences of Japanese Canadians on Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island) and Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound). These personal histories will help illustrate the community’s contributions and resilience, providing essential context for the memorial.

We are especially interested in:

• Photographs of Japanese Canadian residents, particularly images featuring families, individuals, or community events. Any additional details or backstories about the people and families in these photographs would be greatly appreciated.
• Narratives or stories about the experiences of Japanese Canadians in the area, both before and after internment, including family histories, community life, and personal accounts.

If you have photographs or stories that align with the description above, please consider sharing them to support this important project.

Please include your name and any information about the people featured in the photographs or stories. 

This project is an opportunity to honour the contributions of Japanese Canadians and educate future generations about their history, including the challenges they faced, the impact of internment, and the lasting effects of systemic racism.

Contact: Catherine Bayly
Bowen Island Museum & Archives 
bihistorians@telus.net