The Lake Country Heritage and Cultural Society has announced that the Lake Country Museum and Archives has been awarded funding for a series of events in 2013.
Kakonosedai: A Century of Community will celebrate the history of the Japanese Canadian Pioneers of Lake Country and their descendants. The events are funded by the Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation of B.C. and the museum is working in partnership with the Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City Association and with the Nikkei National Museum of Burnaby, BC to present the events.
The events include a major exhibition at the museum, Kakonosedai: A Century of Community, featuring the history of the Japanese Canadian pioneers. The exhibition will open Aug. 10, 2013. Coinciding with the exhibition opening is the museum’s book launch of Kakonosedai, with copies available at the museum after the opening. The museum’s feature event, Centrepiece, will include Japanese performers, displays booths, and traditional food. In September, the museum will present a lecture at the Creekside Theatre, at 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Road.
Kakonosedai: A Century of Community is a continuing project, which tells the story of the first Japanese Canadian pioneers in Lake Country and their experiences during the period from 1899 to pre-World War II (1939). The events and book highlight the courage, perseverance, and resilience of these first settlers, according to Dr. Duane Thomson, the museum president.
“This is a significant project for the museum and for the community as a whole," said Thomson. "The Japanese Canadians were some of the earliest settlers of Lake Country and the opportunity to work with their children and grandchildren to present their history has been incredibly rewarding.”
Keep informed of upcoming events at www.lakecountrymuseum.com.