JCCA Human Rights Committee
#249 6688 Southoaks Crescent V5E 4M7 Burnaby, BC, Canada

Frank Bucholtz attended the premiere of the GVJCCA film, Discover the Stories of Japanese Canadians in Surrey.

March 21, 2018 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Every year on March 21st we acknowledge the International Day for the Eliminatio...n of Racial Discrimination. This day was proclaimed by the United Nations in remembrance of a horrific act of racism in 1960. Take a moment to remember the 69 unarmed black men, women and children who were killed and over 180 who were injured. Police opened fire on people who were participating in a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid pass laws. Many were shot in the back as they were trying to leave the area in Sharpeville, a black township in South Africa. We have made great strides in 58 years, and examples of positive stories of how we get along outnumber the negative stories, but we must not be complacent. Racism and discrimination still exists in our workplaces, schools, unions, organizations, online, and in the headlines. The theme for 2018 is Promoting tolerance, inclusion, unity and respect for diversity in the context of combating racial discrimination. We all have a responsibility to speak out against any racist action and intolerant messages. We also have an important role in promoting a respectful, inclusive society. Sometimes it starts with a story. When we share our stories there is an increased awareness and the breaking down of stereotypes. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Redress when the Federal government apologized for the racist uprooting, dispossession and internment of 22,000 children, women and men. These Canadians (most were Canadian born) of Japanese ancestry were targeted and labelled enemy aliens despite the assurance of the leads for the RCMP and Canadian army who said there was no evidence and no threat. In 1988, the Federal government did apologize, and said never again. Yet, we see certain communities such as First Nations and Muslims who are constantly under attack, and the fear mongering that is being used today is very similar to the rhetoric used in 1942 against Japanese Canadians. I have a personal connection. I am a fourth generation BCer of Japanese heritage and both my mother and father’s side of the family were interned. My mother’s family who had been living in Cumberland on Vancouver Island since the 1800s were allowed two suitcases for my grandparents and six small children. They were then sent to Vancouver. They had to live in the animal barns in Hastings Park with other detainees before being sent to the Kootenays. Sadly, many of our elders are no longer with us. And whether out of a survival instinct, or a desire to protect their families from that dark period, many did not share their stories with their families. Our stories are missing from the history texts and not consistently taught in schools. The GVJCCA produced the Honouring Our People: Breaking the Silence book which provides stories from a wide range of Japanese Canadians who were interned at various locations. This is just one example of the many initiatives in our community. The stories of our past are important if we and future generations are to learn from our history and not repeat the mistakes. On March 21, use the opportunity to speak up and support diversity in our workplaces, schools, homes, unions, and communities. Every day challenge racism. Do not accept intolerance from anyone, not from governments, employers, co-workers, friends, family or those who comment online and on social media. We all benefit from a thriving inclusive society.

Are we here for a good time or a long time? Thanks for the #goodtime #DaveBarrett #NDP #bcpoli #ALR #Hansard #questionperiod #humanrightscode #consumerprotectionlegislation #labourcode #pharmacare #legacy #RIP