Digital Exhibition

Lives That Shaped Bowen Island

THE STORY OF THE JAPANESE CANADIAN COMMUNITY THAT HELPED SHAPE BOWEN ISLAND.

From the industrial coast to close-knit island communities, Japanese Canadians built lives, raised families, and contributed to the places we share today.

This exhibition explores their journey - from opportunity and achievement to forced removal, and the enduring legacy that continues.

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Digital Exhibition

Lives That Shaped Bowen Island

THE STORY OF THE JAPANESE CANADIAN COMMUNITY THAT HELPED SHAPE BOWEN ISLAND.

From the industrial coast to close-knit island communities, Japanese Canadians built lives, raised families, and contributed to the places we share today.

This exhibition explores their journey - from opportunity and achievement to forced removal, and the enduring legacy that continues.

A Journey Through Time
Japanese Immigrants in Victoria, BC (1907). Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, JCCC Original Photographic Collection, 2001.6.5
Japanese Immigrants in Victoria, BC (1907). Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, JCCC Original Photographic Collection, 2001.6.5

1.

Why They Came

Life in Japan, the decision to leave, and the journey to Canada.

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City of Vancouver Archives AM75-S1 CVA374-187

2.

Industrial Coast

Working in logging, mining, fishing and other industries along the Howe Sound.

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Yamada children on Bowen Island. Courtney of the Yamada family.

3.

Bowen Island

Building homes, businesses and community life on the island.

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The New Canadian 1942-03-12: Vol 5 Iss 29

4.

Forced Removal

The forced removal and its profound impact on families and communities.

A quiet space for rest and reflection 2
A quiet space for rest and reflection designed, built and photographed by Bogdan Gheorghe.

5.

Legacy

Remembering the past, seeking redress, and creating hope for the future.

Featured Stories
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Japanese bridge. ca. 1920 BIM&A Object ID#942

Koga

Helping shape Bowen Island’s early resort.

Four Japanese Canadian men around a felled tree of arounf 5 feet in diameter. They have begun to saw off a portion of the base of the log.
Japanese loggers on Bowen Island. ca. 1910 BIM&A Object ID# 1045

Kagetsu

Logging at Seymour Bay and a fight for justice.

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Masano Yamada and five of her children at King Edward Bay. BIM&A Object ID# 8

Yamada

A family's life at King Edward Bay and beyond.

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Woodfibre prize winning photograph taken by Jerry Ito. Nikkei Museum Elaine Homma Photo collection.

Jerry Ito

A company town and a close-knit Japanese Canadian community.

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Research & References

Explore photographs, documents and objects from the past.

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