GREENWOOD - NIKKEI LEGACY PARK

On the way back from Christina Lake, we stopped off at the Nikkei Park in Greenwood BC. By luck, Chuck Tasaka was working on the park and he quickly greeted us when we arrived. We were blessed by him explaining his ties to Greenwood and giving us a short history lesson of the Japanese Canadians in Greenwood. I will do my best to summarize what was written on the monuments below.

In 1942 Greenwood became the first internment camp at a time when no other town would take in Japanese Canadians from the coast. The Franciscan Sisters and the Friars committed to be 100% responsible for the welfare of the Japanese Canadians. The United Church and Franciscan Sisters set up the Sacred Heart School for grades K-8 in the vacant fire hall.

Overall the Japanese Canadians contributed greatly to Greenwood life. They introduced traditional Japanese dancing and singing. Local business benefited from more customers and skilled tradesmen became available. They also made significant contributions to sports and recreation. Chuck pointed out the Tetsuhiko Kariya who I was told was an amazing rugby player and father to Paul, Steve, Martin and Noriko Kariya who were also incredible athletes.

Chuck told me he moved back to Greenwood from Vancouver Island with a commitment to maintaining the Nikkei Legacy Park.

It was a short stop for us but it was an incredible experience to meet Chuck Tasaka and to hear him tell us about Greenwood and his commitment to maintaining the park.

Matt