TORONTO, Nov. 9, 2016 – The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) congratulates Arthur Miki, President of the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba and former President of the National Association of Japanese Canadians, on receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, the third highest order bestowed by the Japanese government.
“Mr. Miki is a visionary who has made outstanding contributions towards the advancement of positive race relations and human rights in Canada,” said Albert Lo, Chairperson, CRRF. “We are fortunate to have Mr. Miki’s continuous involvement in the CRRF as the National Association of Japanese Canadians’ representative, whose wise counsel has continued to benefit our mission.”
Mr. Miki was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun for leading negotiations, on behalf of the Japanese Canadian community, to achieve a just redress settlement for Japanese Canadians interned during the Second World War. The negotiations led to the signing of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement in 1988.
Under the terms of the Agreement, the Government of Canada promised to create the CRRF, which according to Mr. Miki, was the “culmination of the victory of [the] struggle for rights of citizenship” for Japanese Canadians and indeed, for all Canadians.
“It is from this vision that the CRRF draws its ongoing mission to continue working towards harmonious race relations and the elimination of racial discrimination, while strengthening Canadian identity as it refers to inherent human dignity, equality, fairness and justice,” said Anita Bromberg, Executive Director, CRRF.
The latest award also recognized Mr. Miki for his contribution to raising the profile of Japanese Canadians and for his promotion of Japanese culture in Manitoba.
In 1991, Mr. Miki received this country’s highest recognition, the Order of Canada, and on July 12, 2012, he was awarded the Order of Manitoba. Mr. Miki was also recognized by the CRRF in 2014 with the Award for Lifetime Achievement, joining the ranks of such visionaries as the Hon. Lincoln Alexander, founding Chair of the CRRF.
About the Canadian Race Relations Foundation
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is a Crown Corporation dedicated to working towards the elimination of racial discrimination. Its mission is to advance Canadian identity in the pursuit of positive race relations, equity, fairness, social harmony and dignity for all Canadians. The CRRF does this by providing independent, outspoken national leadership, informing national policies and public conversation, and acting as a resource and facilitator.
For more information
Anita Bromberg, Executive Director, CRRF: / 416-508-9033