Museum of Surrey hosts celebration of ‘Broken Promises’ exhibit

Broken Promises - opening of new exhibits about the treatment of Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War. (Chung Chow photo)

Lorene Oikawa, who wrote the intro for the exhibit’s local content display ‘Surrey’s Forgotten History,’ spoke about her personal story of being a Surrey resident and fifth generation Canadian. She shared about the racism she has experienced over the years and told stories of how her grandparents dealt with being interned during the Second World War, losing property, possessions, jobs, community, and relationships. (Chung Chow photo)

For Museum of Surrey Broken Promises - opening of new exhibits about the treatment of Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War. (Chung Chow photo)

Broken Promises - opening of new exhibits about the treatment of Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War. (Chung Chow photo)

Attendees at the Broken Promises celebration listening to speeches. (Chung Chow photos)

During Broken Promises, opening of new exhibits about the treatment of Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War, Satsuki Kai dance group perform for guests (Chung Chow photo)

During Broken Promises, opening of new exhibits about the treatment of Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War, guests were encouraged to try out some of the Satsuki Kai dance group moves. (Chung Chow photo)

As the Museum of Surrey’s current exhibit draws toward its closing date, local dignitaries and community members, including those directly impacted by Canada’s racist wartime policies, came together to celebrate ‘Broken Promises.’

The exhibition showcases the personal histories of people from seven Japanese Canadian families interned during the Second World War.

The March 31 event, which was postponed until spring due to pandemic restrictions, included an Indigenous welcome by SFN Chief Harley Chappell, private exhibit viewing, in-person ASL interpretation, speeches, and a lively performance by the Satsuki Kai dance group.

Lorene Oikawa, who wrote the intro for the exhibit’s local content display ‘Surrey’s Forgotten History,’ spoke about her personal story of being a Surrey resident and fifth generation Canadian. She shared about the racism she has experienced over the years and told stories of how her grandparents dealt with being interned during WW2, losing property, possessions, jobs, community, and relationships.

“It was a touching and poignant commemoration of the Japanese-Canadian experience with a lot of emotion,” said Museum of Surrey Manager Lynn Saffery.

“There were somber moments when the reality of what Japanese Canadians experienced was told, but then joyful when the dancers brought us to our feet.”

Co-curated by the Nikkei National Museum with the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Landscapes of Injustice research collective, this bilingual (English-French) travelling exhibition, which uncovers a dark part of Canadian history, runs until Sunday, April 24.

On May 10, the museum’s Textile Programs take over the Feature Galley with the activation ‘Untangling Textiles,’ offering displays, demonstrations, and textile teaching. Dozens of textile artists and craftspeople will be featured over three months.

Museum of Surrey, located at 17710 56A Ave. in Surrey, is on the Heritage Campus, home to Veterans Square, Anderson Cabin, 1881 Town Hall and Anniedale School. For more information, visit surrey.ca/museum

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Japan Museum of Surrey