June 27, 2018: Looking Towards 30 Years of the Multiculturalism Act and the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement

Towards a Commemoration of 30 years of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act

On November 13, 2002, the Government of Canada, by Royal Proclamation, designated June 27^th of each year as Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

This is an opportunity to celebrate our diversity and our commitment to equality and mutual respect, and to appreciate the contributions of the various multicultural communities in Canada. In addition, this year marks the 30^th anniversary of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act (July 21^st, 1988), which aims to preserve and enhance multiculturalism in Canada. As we celebrate 30 years of the Multiculturalism Act and the enshrining of Canada’s diversity as a fundamental part of Canadian heritage and identity, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) would like to commemorate another approaching milestone, the 30^th Anniversary of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement.

The CRRF partnered with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL) to host an event at the Ontario Bar Association on June 27^th, Multiculturalism Day, to recognize the Redress Agreement, reflect on the legacy of Japanese Internment, and share new ways to ensure that the lessons learned from history are not forgotten. Other sponsors for the event include the Ontario Bar Association, the National Association of Japanese Canadians, and Jam3.

The event included a screening of Swimming Upstream, a video produced by the Honourable Justice Maryka Omatsu about the history of Japanese Canadian Internment in British Columbia. The event also served as an opportunity to announce the production of the East of the Rockies app, an interactive narrative augmented reality experience told from the perspective of Yuki, a 17-year old whose family is made to live in one of Canada’s Japanese Internment Camps. The app is currently under production by Jam3 and the NFB, a design and experience studio based in Toronto, with the help of acclaimed author and Order of Canada recipient Joy Kogawa.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Location: Ontario Bar Association (20 Toronto St., 2^nd floor, Toronto, ON)

Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

 **Event Report**