Nikkei in North Vancouver
Grades 5 -6
Classroom Kit
Availability: 3-week loans, year-round from March, 2023
Nikkei, or Japanese Canadians, have a long history in North Vancouver from the end of the 19th century through Internment during World War II to the way people subsequently rebuilt their lives here. This local history reflects the larger national experiences of people of Japanese descent. The kit engages students through photo and document analysis as well as critical thinking and furthers social-emotional learning through a variety of archival photos and materials as well as creative activities.
Your students will:
- Explore how the events of World War II impacted Nikkei in North Vancouver.
- Investigate how North Vancouver has been shaped by Nikkei pre- and post-World War II.
- Discuss the Japanese Redress Agreement from 1988 in terms of why this was / was not an appropriate apology.
- Analyze historical evidence, including text, photos, and print media to understand the history of Nikkei in North Vancouver.
Big Ideas: Social Studies
- Grade 5: Canada’s policies and treatment of minority peoples have negative and positive legacies. Immigration and multiculturalism continue to shape Canadian society and identity.
- Grade 6: Economic self-interest can be a significant cause of economic conflict among peoples and governments. Systems of government vary in their respect for human rights and freedoms
