Save the Dates
The Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS) works to preserve and share the history of Japanese Canadians in British Columbia — honouring the pre-war communities that thrived here, and bearing witness to the injustices they endured during and after the war.
The BC Heritage Sites program funds interpretive projects, restorations, and signage at historically significant locations across the province — from coastal fishing and farming communities to interior internment sites.
Legacy Community Projects create tangible, lasting, meaningful works that tells the full story of the pre-war, wartime, and postwar Japanese Canadian experience, leaving a permanent record for generations to come.
Survivors, Descendants, and their families are warmly welcomed at all events, as is anyone with an interest in this important chapter of BC’s history.
A number of sites are now open and welcoming visitors. Visit jclegacies.com/place-of-memory-heritage-and-legacy-sites for information.
Japanese Canadian Monument in Victoria
Opening week events – October 4 to 7, 2026
The Japanese Canadian Monument, a key legacy project of the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society, will be unveiled in Victoria beginning with a nation-wide livestream on October 3 focussing on our elders, followed by guided tours on October 4, 5, 6, and 7. The Monument is open for all visitors any time after October 3.
For more information on the October 4 to 7 guided tours and to register, visit japanesecanadianmonument.eventbrite.ca
Location: 839 Academy Close, Victoria, BC
Contact: opening@jclegacies.com
August 16, 2026
Mayne Island
Japanese Canadian Legacies Project
August 29, 2026
Ucluelet
Japanese Canadian History Pavilion
September 19, 2026
Abbotsford
Westridge Park Reflection Space
September 19, 2026
Chemainus
Remembering and Honouring Japanese Canadians in Chemainus
September 26, 2026
Nexwlelexm (Bowen Island)
Nex̱wlélex̱wm Kyosei (共生) Peace Park
Making Peace with the Past – Creating Hope for the Future
September 2026 (date TBA)
Vancouver
Momiji Garden Restoration
October 4 to 7, 2026
Victoria
Japanese Canadian Monument
October 15, 2026
University of British Columbia
A Degree of Justice: The Enduring Legacy of the 76 Japanese Canadian UBC Students of 1942
October 16, 2026
Campbell River
Tracing Japanese Canadian Settlement on Northern Vancouver Island
October 22, 2026
Mission
Centennial Park Interpretive Tea House
October 24, 2026
Vancouver
Historic Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall Interpretive Centre Project
October 25, 2026
Vancouver
Mountain View Cemetary
October 2026 (date TBA)
University of Victoria
Japanese Garden Public Art Project
November 1, 2026
University of British Columbia
Revitalization and Cultural Enhancement of
Nitobe Memorial Garden
November 7, 2026
Surrey
Commemorating Surrey’s Early Japanese Canadians
December 12, 2026
New Westminster
Place-Based Research and Dissemination of the History of Japanese Canadian Residents of New Westminster
January 2027 (date TBA)
Richmond
Steveston Japanese Canadian Boatbuilding Heritage Project
Februrary 27, 2027
Richmond
Steveston Park Legacy Walk
April 2027 (date TBA)
Lillooet
Rehabilitation and Storytelling Project of the Miyazaki Heritage House
April 17, 2027
Nanaimo
McGregor Park Waterfront Interpretive Walkway & Beban Park Nanaimo Nikkei Legacy Performing, Gathering & Commemorating Space
April 18, 2027
Cumberland
Cumberland Japanese Canadian Legacy Project
April 24, 2027
Maple Ridge
Japanese Garden at Jim Hadgkiss Park & Maple Ridge Japanese Canadian History Revitalization Project
May 8, 2027
Kaslo
Langham Restoration & Museum Modernization – Kaslo
Spring 2027 (date TBA)
Vancouver
Japanese Canadian Hastings Park Interpretive Centre & Japanese Canadian Hastings Park Interpretive Centre Interior Renovations
Spring 2027 (date TBA)
Ocean Falls
Commemoration of Japanese Canadians of Ocean Falls
Opening TBA
Prince Rupert
Honouring the Legacy of Local Japanese Canadians – Prince Rupert
Opens August 16, 2026
Mayne Island Japanese Canadian Legacies Project
Organization: Mayne Island Agricultural Society
Promoting awareness of Mayne Island’s Japanese Canadian history at three sites: restoration work at the Japanese Memorial Garden, information panels at the Miners Bay wharf, and an outdoor exhibit at the Mayne Island Museum.
Location: 430 Fernhill Road, Mayne Island, BC
Contact: Michael Kilpatrick: michael@michaeldesign.ca
Opens August 29, 2026 | 2pm
Ucluelet Japanese Canadian History Pavilion
Organization: Ucluelet & Area Historical Society
Overlooking Ucluelet Harbour, the Pavilion stands near the site of one of the six Japanese Canadian villages that once lined the harbour before the wartime internment and dispersal of 1942. The Pavilion commemorates the Japanese Canadian families who helped build the community through their hard work, perseverance, and cooperation. It also acknowledges the profound losses suffered during the internment era, while celebrating the resilience of those who rebuilt their lives and continued to contribute to the social, cultural, and economic life of the region.
Location: Imperial Lane at Matterson Drive, Ucluelet, BC
Contact: Jacqueline Chamberland: jchamberland@telus.net
Opens September 19, 2026
Westridge Park Reflection Space
Organization: Heritage Abbotsford Society
The project will commemorate Abbotsford’s Japanese Canadian community builders. The reflection space will be located in an area which was once the heart of a thriving Japanese Canadian community.
Location: Westridge Park, Abbotsford, BC
Contact: Chandni Sharma: csharma@abbotsford.ca
Opens September 19, 2026
Remembering and Honouring Japanese Canadians in Chemainus
Organization: Chemainus Festival of Murals Society
An art installation that remembers and honours the Japanese Canadians in Chemainus through a large mural featuring a montage of three historical images: Japanese Canadians’ involvement in the fishing industry, the forestry industry, and in the community.
Location: Croft Street (between Mill Street and Alder Street)
Contact: Shannon Bellamy: fomvicepresident@muraltown.com
Doreen Zielke: fomtreasurer@muraltown.com
Open for viewing June to November, 2026
None Came Back
Organization: Chemainus Valley Museum
The Chemainus Valley Museum presents a public exhibit exploring the history and experiences of Japanese Canadians in Chemainus and the surrounding area. The exhibit begins with the early arrival of Japanese immigrants and documents the nature of Japanese Canadian neighbourhoods, the wartime dispossession and displacement, the absence of returnees after the war, and concludes by inviting reflections about these events. Part of the exhibition includes interpretive works by the grade seven class from the Chemainus high school which studied this history in its humanities unit.
This opening is in advance of the JCLS funded Chemainus Festival of Murals Society’s “Remembering and Honouring Japanese Canadians in Chemainus” mural unveiling scheduled for September 19, 2026.
Location: Chemainus Museum, Chemainus, BC
Opens September 26, 2026
Nex̱wlélex̱wm Kyosei (共生) Peace Park
Making Peace with the Past – Creating Hope for the Future
Organization: Bowen Island Museum & Archives
Visitors are invited to explore the lives of Japanese Canadians on Nex̱wlélex̱m and Átl’ka7tsem prior to their forced removal during World War II in a modest timber structure looking out to Deep Bay.
Location: Sandy Beach Municipal Park, Bowen Island, BC
Contact: Kathryn Gaitens: bicurator@telus.net
Opens September 2026 (date TBA)
Momiji Garden Restoration
Organization: Pacific National Exhibition
The Momiji Garden Restoration Teahouse/Gazebo Replacement Project will renew a key feature of Momiji Garden at the Pacific National Exhibition by replacing the aging teahouse/gazebo with a new structure. Delivered in partnership with the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association, the project will support the long term preservation of this important Japanese Canadian cultural space while enhancing visitor experience and ensuring the site remains accessible and sustainable for future generations.
Location: Momiji Garden, Vancouver, BC
Opens October 4 to 7, 2026
Monument in Victoria – opening week events
Organization: Japanese Canadian Legacies Society
The Japanese Canadian Monument will be unveiled in Victoria beginning with a nation-wide livestream on October 3, followed by four days of in-person openings and guided tours. More information, including a reservation system, will be released in the coming months.
For more information on the October 4 to 7 guided tours and to register, visit japanesecanadianmonument.eventbrite.ca
Location: 839 Academy Close, Victoria, BC
Contact: opening@jclegacies.com
Opens October 15, 2026
A Degree of Justice: The Enduring Legacy of the 76 JapaneseCanadian UBC Students of 1942
Organization: University of British Columbia
This project will create a publicly accessible online exhibition and permanent marker at UBC Vancouver to commemorate the 76 Japanese Canadian students removed from UBC in 1942, recognize the 2012 honorary degree ceremony, and highlight the establishment of the Asian Canadian and Asian Migration Studies (ACAM) program in 2014. Through archival materials, interviews, films, and new documentation, the project will preserve and share these histories while promoting education, reflection, and ongoing awareness of racism, exclusion, and the experiences of Japanese Canadians and other Asian Canadian communities.
Location: UBC Campus TBA
Contact: Szu Shen: acam.program@ubc.ca
Opens October 16, 2026
Tracing Japanese Canadian Settlement on Northern Vancouver Island
Organization: Campbell River & District Museum & Archives Society
A research and interpretation project focused on documenting and sharing the history of Japanese Canadian settlement and industry in northern Vancouver Island. Through archival research, interviews, field studies, and community consultation, the project gathers and preserves stories, photographs, documents, and other historical materials related to Japanese Canadian communities in the region. Research findings are shared through museum exhibits, educational programming, documentaries, publications, and digital outreach to help make this history accessible to the public and future generations.
Visit crmuseum.ca for seasonal hours
Location: Museum at Campbell River, Campbell River, BC
Contact: Tamasyn Kennedy: project.manager@crmuseum.ca
Opens October 22, 2026
Centennial Park Interpretive Tea House
Organization: City of Mission
This project will create a Japanese tea house style community gathering space in Centennial Park that commemorates the history and contributions of Mission’s Japanese Canadian community. Drawing from the Mission Community Archives’ 1992 Rites of Passage exhibition, the tea house will incorporate interpretive elements that share the stories of local Japanese Canadian families and their contributions to the farming and forestry industries. The space will support cultural programming, performances, educational activities, and community events, while landscaping, accessibility improvements, and wayfinding signage will create a welcoming destination for learning, gathering, and reflection.
Location: Centennial Park, Mission, BC
Contact: Mark Haney: mark.haney@mission.ca
Opens October 24, 2026
Historic Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall Interpretive Centre Project
Organization: Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall
In 1906, the Vancouver Japanese Language School opened. By 1942, it had grown to be the largest Japanese language school in BC with over 1,000 students. It had also become a vibrant community centre in the heart of the bustling Powell Street neighbourhood. Against all odds, it was able to hold on to the building during the Internment and then reclaim its 1928 building, which reopened in 1952. Celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2026, VJLS-JH will launch its Interpretive Centre, Prevailing Through: A Journey of Perseverance & Resilience インタープリティブセンター 諦めず乗り越えて−受け継がれた歩み.
Location: Vancouver Japanese Language School, Vancouver, BC
Contact: Yoshi Sugiyama: ysugiyama@vjls-jh.com
Opens October 25, 2026
Mountain View Cemetery
Organization: City of Vancouver
This project will preserve and commemorate Japanese Canadian heritage at Mountain View Cemetery through the restoration of historic Japanese Canadian grave markers, landscape enhancements, and new interpretive signage. The work includes documenting and researching existing monuments, restoring approximately 50 to 60 historic tombstones to their original upright position, planting Japanese heritage tree species to better define the area, and installing an interpretive plaque that shares the history of the Japanese Canadian section of the cemetery.
Location: Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver, BC
Contact: Ryan MacLeod: ryan.macleod@vancouver.ca
Opens October 2026 (date TBA)
Japanese Garden Public Art Project
Organization: University of Victoria
Permanent public art by local Nikkei and Indigenous community members to create a legacy of on the site of Nikkei settlement and dispossession along the Upper Gorge Waterway
Location: Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion, Victoria, BC
Contact: Andrea Mariko Grant: andreamarikogrant@uvic.ca
Opens November 1, 2026
Revitalization and Cultural Enhancement of Nitobe Memorial Garden
Organization: University of British Columbia
This project will revitalize and enhance Nitobe Memorial Garden through major infrastructure improvements, new interpretive signage, expanded cultural programming, and public engagement initiatives. Work includes the restoration of key garden features such as the central bridge, azumaya (gazebo), and shoreline, while preserving the garden’s authenticity as one of the most significant Japanese gardens outside Japan. The project will also increase opportunities for visitors to learn about Japanese culture, history, and traditions through educational programming, cultural experiences, and enhanced interpretation.
Location: Nitobe Memorial Garden, Vancouver, BC
Contact: Kai Owa: kai.owa990@gmail.com
Opens November 7, 2026
Commemorating Surrey’s Early Japanese Canadians
Organization: City of Surrey
This multi-faceted public heritage project creates three points of community connection – a commemorative plaza, a park feature, and a permanent photo display – to bring early Japanese Canadian experiences in Surrey to the forefront, amplifying both their significant community contributions and the injustice of their dispossession and internment in World War II.
Location: R.A Nicholson Park, Surrey, BC
Contact: Kristin Hardie: kristin.hardie@surrey.ca
Opens December 12 , 2026
Place-Based Research and Dissemination of the History of Japanese Canadian Residents of New Westminster
Organization: City of New Westminster
This project will research, document, and share the history of New Westminster’s Japanese Canadian community through the creation of a public educational resource and a series of interpretive signs at key historic locations throughout the city. Drawing on new archival research, community stories, and oral histories, the project will highlight the contributions, experiences, and legacy of Japanese Canadians while creating lasting opportunities for public education and engagement.
Location: TBA
Contact: Rob McCullough: 604.527.4639
Opens January 2027 (date TBA)
Steveston Japanese Canadian Boatbuilding Heritage Project
Organization: City of Richmond
This project will document, preserve, and share the history of the Japanese Canadian boatbuilding community in Steveston. Through archival research, oral history interviews, restoration of the Japanese built fishing vessel Crystal S, and the creation of new exhibits at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, the project will explore the contributions of Japanese Canadian boatbuilders, their businesses, and their role in the development of Steveston’s fishing industry.
Location: Britannia Shipyards, Richmond, BC
Contact: Talya Mallek: tmallek@richmond.ca
Opens February 27, 2027
Steveston Park Legacy Walk
Organization: Steveston Community Society
The Steveston Park Legacy Walk will create a connected and accessible interpretive experience that links existing Japanese Canadian heritage features throughout Steveston Community Park. Through pathway improvements, wayfinding, landscaping, signage, and digital content, the project will share the history, experiences, and contributions of Japanese Canadians in Richmond while creating a cohesive visitor experience that connects key commemorative sites across the park.
Location: Steveston Community Park, Richmond, BC
Contact: Alan Sakai: alansakai1@icloud.com
Opens April 2027 (date TBA)
Rehabilitation and Storytelling Project of the Miyazaki Heritage House
Organization: District of Lillooet
This project combines the rehabilitation of the historic Miyazaki Heritage House with the development of new permanent exhibits that share the history of Japanese Canadians in the Lillooet region. Building upgrades include hazardous materials remediation, structural repairs, accessibility and safety improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, and building system enhancements to ensure the long term preservation of the site. The project will also create two permanent exhibits: the Dr. Masajiro Miyazaki Life & Story Exhibit, highlighting the life and legacy of one of Lillooet’s most respected community leaders, and the Internment Food Art Exhibit, exploring the gardening practices and resilience of Japanese Canadians at the East Lillooet Internment Camp.
Location: Miyazaki House, Lillooet, BC
Contact: Deb Saimoto: dsaimoto@gmail.com
Opens April 17 , 2027
McGregor Park Waterfront Interpretive Walkway & Beban Park Nanaimo Nikkei Legacy Performing, Gathering & Commemorating Space
Organization: City of Nanaimo & Central Vancouver Island Japanese Canadian Society
Celebrate the opening of two connected Japanese Canadian heritage spaces at McGregor Park and Beban Social Centre in Nanaimo. Together, these projects recognize the vibrant pre-war Japanese Canadian community that once thrived along Nanaimo’s waterfront and surrounding neighbourhoods through interpretive installations, artistic landscaping, gathering areas, and outdoor cultural space. The sites honour the generations of Japanese Canadians connected to Nanaimo’s fishing, boatbuilding, farming, and cultural history while creating permanent spaces for remembrance, education, performance, and community gathering.
Location: McGregor Park & Beban Park, Nanaimo, BC
Contact: Deborah Beck: deborah.beck@nanaimo.ca
Opens April 18 , 2027
Cumberland Japanese Canadian Legacy Project
Organization: Village of Cumberland
Explore a series of new heritage installations throughout Cumberland, including the historic No. 1 Japanese Townsite, Nikkei no Haka (Japanese Cemetery), and Nikkei Park. Through interpretive signage, restored public spaces, and historical storytelling, the project shares the history and contributions of Cumberland’s pre-war Japanese Canadian community. The project will also recognize the site of Cumberland’s first baseball diamond, highlighting an important gathering place for the Japanese Canadian community.
Location: No. 1 Japanese Townsite, Coal Creek Historic Park, Cumberland, BC
Contact: Jillian Roberts: 250.336.0085
Opens April 24 , 2027
Japanese Garden at Jim Hadgkiss Park & Maple Ridge Japanese Canadian History Revitalization Project
Organization: City of Maple Ridge & Maple Ridge Museum & Archives
These connected projects preserve and share the history of Maple Ridge’s Japanese Canadian community through both digital and physical spaces. The project includes the development of an interactive online map and archival database documenting Japanese Canadian families, properties, farms, and community sites throughout Maple Ridge, as well as the construction of a commemorative Japanese Garden at Jim Hadgkiss Park. Designed in consultation with the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association, the garden will include accessible pathways, gathering spaces, interpretive opportunities, and a pergola structure that will serve as an outdoor learning and community space. Together, these projects will improve public access to local Japanese Canadian history and create lasting opportunities for education, reflection, and commemoration.
Location: Jim Hadgkiss Park, Maple Ridge, BC
Contact: Chad Neufeld: prc@mapleridge.ca
Opens May 8 , 2027
Langham Restoration & Museum Modernization – Kaslo
Organization: Langham Cultural Society
This project will revitalize the museum through building upgrades, restoration work, and the development of new exhibits and interpretive experiences focused on local Japanese Canadian history. The project includes heritage and accessibility improvements, restoration of historic building features, creation of new exhibits and multimedia installations, community consultation, and educational programming.
Location: The Langham Hotel, Kaslo, BC
Contact: Charissa Hoppenbrouwers: info@thelangham.ca for general public inquiries and executivedirector@thelangham.ca for media inquiries
Opens Spring 2027 (date TBA)
Japanese Canadian Hastings Park Interpretive Centre & Japanese Canadian Hastings Park Interpretive Centre Interior Renovations
Organization: Japanese Canadian Hastings Park Interpretive Centre Society
This project will establish the Japanese Canadian Hastings Park Interpretive Centre through the creation of a commemorative memorial and interpretive entrance at the historic Livestock Building and renovations to support the long term use of the facility. The project includes a names wall recognizing approximately 8,000 Japanese Canadians who passed through Hastings Park, interpretive displays, public art installations, accessibility improvements, and building infrastructure enhancements.
Opens Spring 2027 (date TBA)
Commemoration of Japanese Canadians of Ocean Falls
Organization: Ocean Falls Improvement District
This project will preserve and commemorate the history of Japanese Canadians in Ocean Falls through enhancements to the Japanese Canadian cemetery and the development of a new interpretive centre. At the cemetery, work will include the restoration and interpretation of existing features, installation of new headstones, commemorative elements, and improvements to site access and visitor experience. Within the community, a sheltered interpretive centre will be developed featuring educational displays and interpretive panels that explore the history of Japanese Canadians in Ocean Falls.
Location: Ocean Falls, BC (TBA)
Contact: Dylan Coburn: ofid86@gmail.com
Opening TBA (date TBA)
Honouring the Legacy of Local Japanese Canadians – Prince Rupert
Organization: City of Prince Rupert
This project will create a commemorative space in Mariners Memorial Park that recognizes the history, contributions, and legacy of Japanese Canadians in Prince Rupert and on the North Coast. Through site enhancements, interpretive elements, and opportunities for public reflection and learning, the project will share local stories and increase awareness of the experiences and contributions of Japanese Canadians in the region. Located along Prince Rupert’s waterfront, the project will create a lasting place of remembrance, education, and community connection.
Location: Mariner’s Park, Prince Rupert, BC
