Jeunes Citoyens / Young Citizens

Dorie London, Ontario

Fair address: Thames Valley Regional Fair

Project: Internment of Japanese Canadians

I chose to research the topic of the Japanese Internment because my Great-Grandma Toshiko Yasui was sent to a camp in Greenwood BC during WWII. I interviewed my Great-Grandma about her experience and shared with her my research.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I was shocked to find out that many of the Japanese Canadians who were sent to the internment camps were actually born in Canada! Also, I was very interested to learn about my family's story and my Great-Grandma's experience.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I learned that the Japanese Canadians were mistreated by our government and experienced racism. It is important to learn about the Japanese Internment so that something like this doesn't happen again in Canada.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

I am sad that my Great-Grandma and her family were treated so badly just because they were Japanese. I have never experienced any kind of racism and can be proud of my Japanese culture.

  • Ursula Goudsbloem

    Very well done!!
    10-07-2019 9:42:27 PM

  • Susan Franks

    Well done, Dorie! Your great-grandmother lived through the humiliating years that Canada was caught up in. The treatment of Japanese Canadians during that time is such a blot on our history. Tashiko and people like her who suffered because of racism deserve our abject apology.
    26-06-2019 8:21:14 PM

  • Andrea Smith

    Such an interesting study. As you say, it’s good to learn from the past. Also, it’s really lovely to see people forgive.
    26-06-2019 7:22:58 AM

  • Ruth Sloan

    A great job!
    25-06-2019 1:57:49 PM

  • Kaylee Sousa

    Amazing! Thank you for sharing your story! I love that you will have not only the knowledge of what you have learned through your project, but also a very special moment with you Grandma that you will forever hold onto.
    24-06-2019 9:41:27 PM

  • Bruce Coulthard

    Well done Dorie and good for you to expose racism, wherever it may reside. I believe you have a wonderful and courageous Grandmother!
    24-06-2019 7:05:28 PM

  • Milly Stetsyuk

    I enjoyed this documentary as I wasn't aware of these interment camps. What a wonderful resource to have in your own family! Good Job and cheers to Tosh for all her acomplishmrnts Great job Dorie!
    21-06-2019 10:39:15 PM

  • Pamela

    Very well done. It was very informative .
    20-06-2019 4:36:43 PM

  • Adam Kerr

    Well done! Very personal and informative.
    20-06-2019 4:08:20 PM

  • Herbert Murray

    Well done young lady.
    20-06-2019 3:07:37 PM

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Project partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.
  • Canadian Heritage / Patrimoine Canadien
  • Government of Canada
  • HBC: Hudson's Bay Company
  • ecentricarts inc.