Nikkei Memory Capture Project a key feature of new Bunka Centre

trevor.kenney — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 16:38:17 +0000

The stories of Japanese Canadians and the challenges they faced as they settled in southern Alberta is the focus of a new collaborative effort between ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researcher Dr. Carly Adams and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Plymouth (UK) associate professor Dr. Darren Aoiki’s Nikkei Memory Capture Project and Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden.

Part of the Time Map feature in the Bunka Centre.

Unveiled at the new Bunka Centre on Thursday, Apr. 14, the project allows visitors to hear these important stories through an interactive sound booth installation and a Time Map feature wall that details the journeys of Japanese Canadians in southern Alberta.

“It is very exciting to be unveiling the Time Map collaboration, and Nikkei Memory Capture Project’s Memory Booth,” says Adams, who is also the co-director of the Centre for Oral History & Tradition at ULethbridge. “These two installations highlight what I most appreciate about this collaborative work – connections with community organizations and members, publicly accessible histories, and adding nuance and complexity to little known histories. It has been a pleasure and privilege being involved in these installations and involving undergraduate and graduate students in this vital work.”

A look at the Memory Booth where people can listen to oral histories and record their own.

“The unveiling of the Time Map and Memory Booth is such an exciting development for us,” says Aoki. “It’s so exciting to be able to share the wonderfully distinctive histories of Japanese Canadians in southern Alberta that the Nikkei Memory Capture Project has been privileged to explore.”

Adams and Aoki (via zoom) gave a presentation to attendees of the unveiling and addressed the partnerships that were utilized in creating the memorable project.

“This is a celebration of so many innovative collaborations, exciting partnerships, and close friendships: with the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, the Centre for Oral History and Tradition; between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Plymouth and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and most importantly, with the many individuals who have so generously shared their memories, stories, and wisdom with us,” adds Aoki.

The installations are now open to the public at the Bunka Centre. Guests who attend are also able to record their own memories to be shared with future generations.

Reaching out to Japan

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:10:32 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus community is reaching out to those affected by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

Music to Heal the Heart and Soul, on Saturday, Apr. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Southminster United Church, is an evening of music, dance and poetry readings dedicated to the survivors and victims of the Japanese tragedy.

The program includes performances by the U of L Singers, a 32-voice mixed choir conducted by Dr. Janet Youngdahl; modern dancers led by Claire Lint; pianist Dr. Deanna Oye; and saxophonists Dr. David Renter and Andrew Ichikawa.

The U of L Singers present Music to Heal the Heart and Soul, Apr. 30.

The diverse musical program brings the southern Alberta community together to reflect on the gravity of the disaster and challenges Japan faces in the coming years.

"The sudden and severe impact of such a disaster moves us all," says Youngdahl. "The community needs an opportunity to gather, share their thoughts and prayers, and join together with the power of music and dance."

The concert is sponsored by the Nikkei Cultural Society of Lethbridge and Area, Southminster United Church, Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta. The West Lethbridge Lions Club is also sponsoring a post-concert reception.

Admission is free and The Salvation Army will be on hand to accept donations for Japan relief from those who wish to make a contribution.

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

UNews - Nikkei Cultural Society of Lethbridge and Area

Nikkei Memory Capture Project a key feature of new Bunka Centre

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