TORONTO, September 20, 2013 / CNW / - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) joins the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement, signed between the Government of Canada and the NAJC, under the leadership of then President, Art Miki.
"The Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement represents a milestone in the history of our country, in which the human rights violations Canada committed in the past were acknowledged," remarked Albert Lo, Chairperson of the CRRF. "It constituted a model on which other Redress Agreements with Chinese Canadians, Aboriginal peoples who attended Residential Schools, and affected communities acknowledged through this Government's Community Historical Recognition Programme, have built", he continued.
"The celebration of this remarkable achievement allows us to continue to remember the past and to acknowledge the historical injustices and racism which were sanctioned by the state. New initiatives undertaken by the CRRF and other organizations will permit Canadians to monitor ongoing race relations issues, to identify those that are emerging and require urgent attention, and develop means to ensure social harmony and justice", Lo stated.
The Agreement, which was signed on September 22, 1988 "acknowledge[s] that the treatment of Japanese Canadians during and after World War II was unjust and violated principles of human rights as they are understood today; pledge[s] to ensure, to the full extent that its powers allow, that such events will not happen again; and recognize[s], with great respect, the fortitude and determination of Japanese Canadians who, despite great stress and hardship, retain their commitment and loyalty to Canada and contribute so richly to the development of the Canadian nation."
"The CRRF shares a special pride in the 25th Anniversary celebrations as the Foundation was created as one outcome of the Redress Agreement," added Rubin Friedman, Spokesperson for the CRRF. "Over the last 16 years, the CRRF has established itself as the leading resource and facilitator for all Canadians on current and emerging issues affecting race relations in Canada, and 'best practices' to address them", he continued.
"We look forward to continuing this vital role in helping create a Canada built on the principles of equality and social justice."
"Congratulations to the NAJC and to Art Miki, NAJC Representative to the CRRF Board, who played such an important role in helping to achieve an Agreement whose significance we are only beginning to understand", said Albert Lo. "We look forward to a long and fruitful association."
Rubin Friedman, CRRF Spokesperson 647-403-8526
History behind the establishment of the CRRF by Art Miki
Redress: 25 Years Later, Presented by Art Miki, NAJC Representative to the Canadian Race Relations Foundation
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement, Presented by Albert Lo, Chairperson, CRRF Board of Directors
From Racism to Redress: The Japanese Canadian Experience
Books about the Japanese Canadian Redress and Settlement
National Association of Japanese Canadians
SEDAI The Japanese Canadian Legacy Project
For Further Exploration - Taiken Programs at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
Japanese & Canadian Network Association
The Japanese Community in Canada - Statistics Cananada
Remarks by Mr. Stefan Andusiak on the 25th Anniversary of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement, Ukrainian Canadian Congress
Minister Kenney issues statement on the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Government's Apology for Japanese Internment during the Second World War, Immigration Counsels of Canada
A Call for Justice: Fighting for Japanese Canadian Redress (1977-1988), Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
Apology for the COV Role in the 1942 Internment of Japanese Canadians, Powell Street Festival Society
The 25th anniversary of the Japanese–Canadian Redress Settlement, Embassy of Japan in Canada