Japanese Canadian Internment | Narrated by David Suzuki

Summary

In 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, over 22,000 Japanese Canadians faced escalated anti-Asian racism and were viewed as enemies. The Canadian Pacific Railway and other industries fired Japanese Canadian employees, and their properties were seized. Men aged 18 to 45 were interned in camps, and later, all Japanese Canadians were forcibly relocated to camps with harsh conditions. They were forced to pay for their own imprisonment and lost their property without consent. Writer Muriel Kitagawa highlighted the injustice and suffering. It wasn't until 1988 that Prime Minister Brian Mulroney formally apologized and a comprehensive redress settlement was reached with the National Association of Japanese Canadians, aiming to rectify the wrongs and reconcile the community with their country.

Takeaways

• 📅 In 1941, there were 22,000 Japanese Canadians living in British Columbia, facing decades of anti-Asian racism that intensified after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
• 🔍 Post-Pearl Harbor, Japanese Canadians were viewed with suspicion and hostility, leading to the loss of jobs and confiscation of property like fishing boats and radios.
• 🇨🇦 The Canadian government's fear of Japanese soldiers led to the internment of Japanese Canadian males between 18 and 45 in camps within the BC interior.
• 📉 Ian McKenzie, a federal cabinet minister, advocated for stricter measures against Japanese Canadians, reflecting the prevailing sentiment at the time.
• 🧳 In 1942, 21,000 Japanese Canadians were ordered to pack a single suitcase and were relocated to livestock barns, then to camps and towns across Canada.
• 💼 The working and living conditions in these camps were harsh, with low pay, and Japanese Canadians were even forced to pay for their own imprisonment.
• 🏡 On January 19, 1943, the federal government passed a law allowing the sale of all seized Japanese Canadian property without the owner's consent.
• 📝 Muriel Kitagawa, a writer at the time, captured the sentiments of fear and outrage among Japanese Canadians, highlighting the depth of their suffering.
• 🚨 The internment and property seizure of Japanese Canadians represented the largest mass exodus in Canada's history.
• 🙏 In 1988, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney formally apologized to Japanese Canadians for their wartime internment and property seizures.
• 💼 A comprehensive redress settlement was reached with the National Association of Japanese Canadians to address the wrongs and grievances of the past.

Q & A

How many Japanese Canadians were living in British Columbia in 1941?

There were 22,000 Japanese Canadians living in British Columbia in 1941.

What significant event happened on December 7th, 1941, that affected the perception of Japanese Canadians?

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, led to many viewing Japanese Canadians as enemies.

What actions were taken against Japanese Canadians by the Canadian Pacific Railway after Pearl Harbor?

The Canadian Pacific Railway fired all Japanese Canadian employees within days of the Pearl Harbor attack.

What was the impact of the Pearl Harbor attack on Japanese soldiers and Canadian troops stationed in Hong Kong?

After Pearl Harbor, Japanese soldiers overran Hong Kong, resulting in the death of 800 Canadians and brutal conditions for the remaining troops in Japanese prisoner of war camps.

What measures were taken by the Canadian government against Japanese Canadian males between the ages of 18 and 45?

On January 14th, Japanese Canadian males between the ages of 18 and 45 were taken to camps in the BC interior.

What was Ian McKenzie's stance on the treatment of Japanese Canadians during World War II?

Ian McKenzie, a federal cabinet minister from BC, called for stricter measures against Japanese Canadians.

What happened to Japanese Canadians' property after they were taken to camps?

On January 19, 1943, the federal government passed a law authorizing the sale of all seized property without the owner's consent.

What was the living condition like for Japanese Canadians in the internment camps?

The living conditions in the internment camps were harsh, with low pay and poor working conditions.

How did Muriel Kitagawa describe the government's actions towards Japanese Canadians?

Muriel Kitagawa condemned the government's actions, stating that they could never measure the depth of hurt and outrage dealt to those who loved the land.

What was the significance of the redress settlement reached with the National Association of Japanese Canadians in 1988?

The redress settlement in 1988 was a formal apology and compensation for the internment and seizure of property faced by Japanese Canadians during the war, aiming to put things right between the community and the country.

What was Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's statement regarding the apology to Japanese Canadians?

Prime Minister Brian Mulroney acknowledged the wrongful incarceration, property seizure, and disenfranchisement of Japanese Canadians, emphasizing the difference between regret and a formal apology, and the need to put things right.