In 1893, immigrant coal miners and their families established No. 1 Japanese Town, 1 ½ miles west of the town of Union. This prominent Japanese community flourished for 49 years until the enactment of the War Measures Act by the Government of Canada in 1942.

At that time, thirty-one families were ordered to leave and moved to internment camps. Despite promises by the government, possessions and property were confiscated soon after the internment of their owners, never to be returned. For 5 years after WW II ended, Japanese people were barred from returning closer than 300 miles from the West Coast.

No.1 Town former residents and their descendants now live in communities across Canada, the majority on the greater Toronto area.

In October 2009 thirty one cherry trees were planted to symbolize the thirty one families evacuated from in 1942. On May 8th 2010 a bronze plaque recognizing the project and explaining the significance of the trees will be unveiled. The cherry tree project has been made possible through a grant from the National Association of Japanese Canadians and generous donations from former residents and their families.

This project exists to bridge cultures. It exists to honour the communities that were integral to the development of the Village of Cumberland and it exists to acknowledge a history that includes racism, fear and injustice. Most importantly this project exists to ensure an ongoing process of reconciliation and healing that will ensure that these types of actions are never repeated.

This special ceremony hosted by the Village of Cumberland and the Coal Creek Historic park Advisory Committee on May 8th will be attended by many former residents and family members of No. 1 Japanese Town. Community members who wish to join in this quiet and respectful acknowledgement are also welcome to attend. The event starts at 1:30 pm at 2211 Comox Lake Road, 1.5 miles west of Cumberland.

For information about this event or to volunteer for set up at the site or at the reception please call Grace at 250-336-8921
Or email gdohertyshaw.ca