Meet the Team: Mika Kobayashi Embury
Through my work at VJLS-JH, I learned more about Japanese Canadian history and the historical significance of the Powell Street area more than I ever thought I would. I feel incredibly in touch with my heritage and my family history every day. I was also exposed to many Japanese cultural events through the School. Being in this space and realm of work was really an incredibly powerful experience and has inspired me to continue to involve myself within the community.
JC Legacies Project Coordinator Mika Kobayashi Embury is the newest member of the team. A Yonsei, she was born and raised in North Vancouver and she graduated from the University of Toronto in 2020, majoring in French language with a minor in human geography and history. For the past two years she has worked as the People and Culture Coordinator and Community Programming Manager at the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall. Mika is a member of Powell Street Festival Society’s Outreach and Advocacy Committee.
The opening sentence of the JC Legacies website states, “Investing in community healing is ultimately a hopeful act, looking to the future of our community as much as acknowledging and commemorating our past.” Not to put any pressure on you, but you represent that hopeful future, while tied to our community’s past through your family. Can you tell me about your family’s history in Canada?
The Japanese side of my family has been in Canada for many, many years. My grandmother’s family was interned in New Denver and my grandfather’s family narrowly escaped the “evacuation” order, moving from Vancouver to near Salmon Arm in mid 1942. My great-grandparents stayed in New Denver after the war, while my grandfather’s side relocated to Kamloops to start anew and a large portion of the family continues to live there today. My mother left Kamloops and relocated to Vancouver in her 20s.
What have you learned through your work at the Vancouver Japanese Language School and sitting on PSF Outreach and Advocacy Committee?
Through my work at VJLS-JH, I learned more about Japanese Canadian history and the historical significance of the Powell Street area more than I ever thought I would. I feel incredibly in touch with my heritage and my family history every day. I was also exposed to many Japanese cultural events through the School. Being in this space and realm of work was really an incredibly powerful experience and has inspired me to continue to involve myself within the community. My time with the Outreach and Advocacy has been great. It’s been a really fulfilling and unique way to meet other Japanese Canadians and participate within Downtown Eastside community-building efforts.
I imagine stepping into this new role on Japanese Canadian Legacies has been a steep learning curve. What has been the biggest challenge, and has anything surprised you about doing this work?
I think the biggest change and adjustment is the scale of which I am working with Japanese Canadian organizations. Through my previous position at VJLS-JH, I was mostly exposed to JC organizations and people within the Metro Vancouver area. This new role exposes me to the greater community across the country, which is really exciting and involves a whole new network to collaborate with. Leveling up!
What would you say to other young people who are interested in exploring their heritage, whatever that heritage may be?
If you have the opportunity, it really is a privilege to hear oral histories and stories from your family members and elders!
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I’m very excited and grateful to step into this position. Looking forward to meeting a variety of people across the country through my work with the JCLS!