Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future

The Association of Canadian Archivists hosts a monthly hashtag party, inviting archives across the country to share materials from their collections. This month’s theme was Archives Founders, which inspired us to look back at our beginnings.

Building the Dream: A Look Back at Our Beginnings

Back in 2010, we marked our 10th anniversary with a special issue of Nikkei Images, detailing the incredible efforts of volunteers, board members, and early staff who brought the Nikkei Centre concept to life. The issue features reflections from Cathy Makihara, Frank Kamiya, Stan Fukawa,  Ruth Coles, and Bob Nimi, among many others.

We’re endlessly grateful for the dedication of countless individuals and groups who ensured a future for the Nikkei Centre, especially as we look ahead to our 25th year.

Remembering Grace Eiko Thomson: A Champion for Japanese Canadian History

Grace Eiko Thomson, the inaugural Director/Curator of the Japanese Canadian National Museum (now NNMCC), passed away this summer at the age of 90. A beloved community advocate, mentor, scholar, curator, author, and leader, her legacy was celebrated in a special 2020 Nikkei Images issue, featuring stories of her childhood, career, and impact from colleagues and friends.

View the special issue of Nikkei Images celebrating Grace online.

From Humble Beginnings to National Hub: The Evolution of Our Archives

Our archives began as the Japanese Canadian History Preservation Committee (JCHPC), formed in 1980 as a subcommittee of the Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association (GVJCCA). The committee began recording oral history interviews with our elders, acquiring over 200 recordings by 1994.

Image: Shag Ando, Frank Kamiya, and Mary Seki from Japanese Canadian Archives with Norio Goto (far left) at Powell Street Festival 1994; Vancouver, BC. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre fonds. NNMCC 2016.11.2.1.251.

The committee went through many changes in name and form, becoming the Japanese Canadian Archives in 1993, incorporated as the Japanese Canadian National Museum & Archives in 1995, and then as the Japanese Canadian National Museum (JCNM) in 1999. Staff and volunteers were also very active in the community to spread the word about the work they were doing to preserve our history.

When the National Nikkei Heritage Centre (now NNMCC) opened in 2000, the JCNM rented office and archival space and showcased the growing collection in the new exhibit spaces. In 2002, this collaboration resulted in a merger of JCNM and the National Nikkei Heritage Centre Society, becoming the National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre.

In 2012, we became known as the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. Many years of commitment from volunteers and part-time and full-time staff have allowed us to continue our mission to honour, preserve, and share Japanese Canadian history and heritage and Japanese culture in Canada. To browse our archival and library collections, make an appointment by emailing us at [email protected]. Explore our online database at nikkeimuseum.org. Stay tuned for more information about our exciting Heritage Hub Project that will enhance access to Japanese Canadian archives, collections and heritage resources.