Nikkei Memorial Internment Centre
Posted by Ursula I Abresch 2008-06-24 23:48
Dedicated to Japanese-Canadians
http://www.newdenver.ca/nikkei/
The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre (NIMC) in New Denver is the only interpretive centre in Canada dedicated to the history of the uprooting and internment of over 22,000 Canadians of Japanese heritage. The centre, in New Denver, British Columbia, is situated on one of ten Canadian internment camp sites, which were located in the interior of BC during the Second World War. It is a project of the Kyowakai (translated - "working together peacefully") Society. The Centre consists of five buildings, three of which are the old original huts or shacks that were built in 1942 to accommodate the displaced citizens. Inside two of the huts you will see the furnishings and stoves that were actually used by the occupants. At times two families occupied one hut, one family on either side of a common kitchen. Toilet facilities, rows of outhouses, are also preserved. The large central hall displays pictures , texts and equipment of tents, desks, boxes and other luggage used in their journey to the various campsites from the coast. Although sixty years have passed, there are a few citizens still living in New Denver from those originally resettled here in 1942.
(Information copied from the website)
What strikes me most when visiting this place is the delicate grace preserved by people living in very difficult conditions, how commonplace many of the objects and situations are, but also how achingly beautiful and full of care and love of life. It is very curious how this everyday beauty brings a smile to your face and makes your chest feel tight and full of hurt all at the same time. I don't know what else to say about this place.
http://www.newdenver.ca/nikkei/
The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre (NIMC) in New Denver is the only interpretive centre in Canada dedicated to the history of the uprooting and internment of over 22,000 Canadians of Japanese heritage. The centre, in New Denver, British Columbia, is situated on one of ten Canadian internment camp sites, which were located in the interior of BC during the Second World War. It is a project of the Kyowakai (translated - "working together peacefully") Society. The Centre consists of five buildings, three of which are the old original huts or shacks that were built in 1942 to accommodate the displaced citizens. Inside two of the huts you will see the furnishings and stoves that were actually used by the occupants. At times two families occupied one hut, one family on either side of a common kitchen. Toilet facilities, rows of outhouses, are also preserved. The large central hall displays pictures , texts and equipment of tents, desks, boxes and other luggage used in their journey to the various campsites from the coast. Although sixty years have passed, there are a few citizens still living in New Denver from those originally resettled here in 1942.
(Information copied from the website)
What strikes me most when visiting this place is the delicate grace preserved by people living in very difficult conditions, how commonplace many of the objects and situations are, but also how achingly beautiful and full of care and love of life. It is very curious how this everyday beauty brings a smile to your face and makes your chest feel tight and full of hurt all at the same time. I don't know what else to say about this place.
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