Community Fund Website Live
British Columbia Government policies prior to, during, and after World War II resulted in the forced removal of nearly 22,000 Japanese Canadians from the West Coast, depriving them of freedom, security, and basic dignity. Livelihoods were destroyed, and entire communities were eradicated, inflicting significant social, economic, and psychological damage at the hands of the Government. Following the end of the war in 1945, Government policies compelled Japanese Canadians to relocate east of the Rockies or face deportation to Japan. Even after the restrictions were lifted in 1949, many never returned.
The Community Fund, inspired by the 2019 NAJC Community Consultations led by Maryka Omatsu with co-chair Art Miki, is a forward-looking initiative that supports survivors and descendants of all generations throughout Canada. The program invests in the future of the Japanese Canadian community by allocating funds to six project streams: scholarships, community projects, arts, sports, infrastructure, and intergenerational wellness.
The sets of guidelines for the streams were built from the ground up by the JCLS team with first draft guidelines generated by Walter Quan and Eiko Eby. A national advisory of experts was brought on, including Bill Hatanaka, Art Miki, Maryka Omatsu, Gary Kawaguchi, Nicola Koyanagi, Alex Miki, Kirsten McAllister, George Iwama, Lisa Domae, Jennifer Matsunaga, David Moritsugu, Midi Onodera, Melisa Kamibayashi Staples, Jennifer Hashimoto, Dan Nomura, Naomi Yamamoto, and Jordan Riley. The meticulous work done by all involved in the guidelines development has resulted in a comprehensive set of initiatives that reaches out across the country and offers funding for a wide range of projects.
Community Fund Launches
In recognition of the forced uprooting and dispersal of the west coast Japanese Canadian community, and the echoes of those years that still resonate with survivors and descendants across Canada, JC Legacies announces the launch of the Community Fund.
The $14 million Community Fund is a key element of the historical wrongs package from the BC Government that was announced in Steveston by then-Premier John Horgan on May 21, 2022.
A short guide to the site
Visitors to jclegaciesfund.com will have access to most areas of the site, including guidelines, a glossary, FAQs, and background. In order to access application forms and apply for funding, a user account must be created, either as an Individual or as an Organization or Group. As with all facets of the site, definitions are very clearly defined, so it is important to refer to the glossary when setting up an account, as even the definition of Organization or Group is clearly laid out.
Once an account is set up, it will serve as a portal where applicants can fill out, edit and submit applications. Note that applications will only be accepted online.
Please visit the new site and acquaint yourself with the various funding streams, the guidelines and the date that each stream opens.
Please note that Intergenerational Wellness guidelines are still under development and will be posted in June along with dates that applications will open.