Community Update on Japanese Canadian Survivors Health and Wellness Fund and BC Redress
Read the latest community update on BC Redress Japanese Canadian Legacy Initiatives.
You Inspire Us!
Thank you to all donors who answered the “Tech Tub Reboot” call for action. You inspire us and we thank you very much for assisting Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society in helping seniors.
Thank you to all donors who answered the “Tech Tub Reboot” call for action.
You inspire us and we thank you very much for assisting Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society in helping seniors. “Inspire Action” raised over $200,000, exceeding our $100,000 goal. Yes, you helped exceed the goal!
Your donation is at work now and will be put to work for their 2022 programs.
TUB – The Arjo Parker Series tub is now on order and expected to arrive in October. The renovation in the spa room begins September. Once it is completed, the residents will enjoy the experience of a warm soak while the staff can feel assured with all the safety features.
TECH – Nikkei Seniors is putting the ‘tech project’ to test. We recently upgraded our Internet WIFI connections; and purchased eight Echo devices for the residents’suites and to-go pocket WIFI-hot spots as needed. The Outreach Coordinator is now running programs – brain exercise, physical exercise, eating and chatting together, creating a link for a doctor to call in, and initiating a new kind of in-suite family visit. Once tested and the kinks resolved, we will offer more devices to residents. The long term goal is to start making this available to the seniors living at home. Our goal is to support “Better at Home.”
REBOOT – Iki Iki/Lively Lively (dementia friendly) and Kui Do Raku (Eat, Chat, Relax) have not started onsite (due to health restrictions) but they are in the rebooted and testing phase for an immediate start as soon as we get the ‘ok’ from the Fraser Health Authority. Part-time staff have been hired in the development, implementation, and sustainability of the reboot. These staff take the place of the volunteers who have not been permitted to work due to COVID restrictions. Volunteers have been a vital part of our programs and, as restrictions lift, our hope is for their return. In the meantime, the coordinators are maintaining contact with volunteers and seniors. This re-opening is what we have all been waiting for. For the seniors, new activities in familiar surroundings. “Let’s Go!” is our motto.
For the 2022 fiscal year, the planned outreach programs will happen as a result of your donation. Some of the funded activities are: dementia-friendly full-day programs; socialization programs; physical and brain exercise; tech connections for those who are unable to participate in person; plus film and documentary production and volunteer training and orientation.
Thank you all: you have been an inspiration. Kansha shimasu.
Spotlight on Marcia Carr: Nursing career, the pandemic’s effect on seniors, and more
We recently caught up with Marcia Carr (nee Hirano), an accomplished healthcare professional of nursing, and board member, donor, and friend of Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society. In this article, we talk with her about her career, the pandemic’s effect on seniors, and her own experiences with having a family member in the Nimi Nikkei Home assisted living residence.
Donor Spotlight
We recently caught up with Marcia Carr (nee Hirano), an accomplished healthcare professional of nursing, and board member, donor, and friend of Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society. In this article, we talk with her about her career, the pandemic’s effect on seniors, and her own experiences with having a family member in the Nimi Nikkei Home assisted living residence.
Marcia has built an extensive and accomplished career in healthcare and also serves in teaching capacities at universities and on the boards of various nursing organizations.
She has been a registered nurse for 53 years, as well as a clinical nurse specialist in geriatric medicine, geriatric psychiatry and nurse continence advisor. She is also an adjunct professor at UBC School of Nursing, University of Victoria School of Nursing, SFU Gerontology Research, and guest professor at Fujian Medical University School of Nursing, and former clinical assistant at McMaster University School of Nursing.
For over 20 years, Marcia has been a board member of Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society, and has also volunteered her specialities in nursing to do both staff and public education sessions to improve the care and lives of our older adults. She is also active in other organizations as:
An elected member at large for The RN Council for Nurse and Nurse Practitioners of BC
Board member of the Canadian Nurses Association Nursing Advisory Committee for Network of Speciality Nurses
Secretary for Canadian Nurse Continence Advisors
Soon to be president of the Clinical Nurse Specialists Association of BC
Marcia’s nursing career has spanned “womb to tomb”, having started out in obstetrics and transitioning to older adult care.
“Older adult care (geriatrics) is the most challenging and underserviced population that I have been privileged to work with. The complexity intertwining the normal aging process with chronic and acute illnesses challenges my brain power every single day.” says Marcia. “The beauty is that the wisdom that I gain from every older adult I interact and care for adds so much richness to me both personally and professionally!”
What has the pandemic highlighted about the needs seniors?
“What strikes me so poignantly is the lack of respect allotted to older adults about being able to say and be listened to about what they want in life and living rather than being paternalistically ‘cared’ for. ‘Don’t do to me without asking whether I agree or even want to’ should have been a choice rather than what happened. Isolation and loneliness increased the morbidity and mortality of so many older adults, it breaks my heart to think of the unmeasurable irreversible damage done to the quality of their lives.” says Marcia.
A glimpse of Marcia’s personal and family’s experience with Nikkei Home (both before and during the pandemic).
Marcia’s mother is 101 and a current resident of Nimi Nikkei Home assisted living residence. She came to live at Nikkei several years after it opened. It was her choice to move, following a major health issue that affected her ability to drive and participate in community activities.
“We feel so blessed and appreciative of the care and caring that is at the heart of Nikkei. Within a few months of lockdown at Nikkei, I knew she was failing rapidly. Thank goodness with her family doctor and geriatrician’s support, I was able to be designated to be an essential visitor. She bounced back to life again. The amazing staff know her well and are always encouraging her to keep on going. Despite 3 more steps backwards, her resilience well learned from the internment and life in general has quite remarkably been her mainstay for recovery.”
What makes Nikkei Home different from other care facilities?
“Nikkei Home is a stellar example of what and how a Assisted Living facility should be. We are so fortunate to have dedicated and long term staff who understand and practice Nikkei Home’ philosophy. We additionally have 24/7 LPNs and care aides whereas many other only have LPNs on days 5 days a week. Having Hi-Genki part of the whole facility enables residents to see and interact beyond the walls of the building as they hear and see children and families enjoying life and food.”
What are your hopes for Nikkei Home in the short or long term?
“Sustainability of not just the building and amenities but also the enabling technology and supports for our residents remains an ongoing financial challenge. Nikkei administration has made each dollar stretch 10’s farther than any organization that I know of. However, I hope that our community at large steps up to help when needed. Right now we have a campaign going on to replace the original spa tub for residents as well as trying to provide technological enablement for all residents (e.g. building wide WIFI access). These are necessities not luxuries to support and care for Nikkei residents. My ultimate hope is that Nikkei Home will be there for all of us when we are ready for rewarding step in life’s journey.”
Learn more about our INSPIRE ACTION fundraising drive and how your support could make a difference for seniors at Nikkei Place, and bring virtual outreach programming to hundreds of seniors.
Eiko Eby to lead Japanese Canadian Survivors Health and Wellness Fund
Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Eiko Eby as the Project Manager for the Japanese Canadian Survivors Health and Wellness Fund.
Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Eiko Eby as the Project Manager for the Japanese Canadian Survivors Health and Wellness Fund. Eiko will be working directly for Nikkei Seniors and will lead the Project working in tandem with Cathy Makihara and Ruth Coles.
Eiko Eby is a yonsei (4th generation) whose parents were both directly impacted by the government actions which forcibly uprooted, dispossessed, and displaced the lives of almost 22,000 Japanese Canadians living in BC. She honours the memory of her parents, grandparents and great grandparents, in her extensive community work. Eiko feels the approach to healing can be made through the lens of wellness.
Eiko was on the Board of the Central Vancouver Island Japanese Canadian Cultural Society from 1987 until 2021, serving as President for the past 19 years before passing the torch to another great volunteer. She has worked on numerous committees for the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC), and considers her experience learning from Art Miki on the core team of the Community Renewal Fund as a moment when she discovered the importance of national outreach. A member of the National Executive Board of the NAJC for four years 2016-2020, as Director then Secretary, she holds her contribution to the groundwork for the first talks on BC Redress, as closest to her heart. Eiko also served the full 6 year term as a member of the Community Council of the University of Victoria-led Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective.
Health and wellness is a foundation of Eiko’s career practice as a Professor of Kinesiology at Vancouver Island University, from where she is set to retire. In 2018, Eiko received the Vancouver Island University President’s Award for Outstanding Community Engagement.
Eiko was a member of the Canadian National Women’s Over 55 Field Hockey Team that competed in the World Cup in 2018. A devout wife, mother and sister to her four siblings, Eiko is reliable in her relationships and true to her commitment to the community.
Province takes step to acknowledge historical wrongs against Japanese-Canadians
The Province is providing the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society with $2 million as part of its commitment to honour the traumatic internment of almost 22,000 Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War.
The Province is providing the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society with $2 million as part of its commitment to honour the traumatic internment of almost 22,000 Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War.
“This government acknowledges the role that it played in the historical wrongs committed against the Japanese-Canadians community during the 1940s,” said Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. “This initial grant is a first step towards lasting recognition of the trauma suffered by the community. We are committed to working with the National Association of Japanese Canadians over the coming year to define recognition opportunities in 2022 and beyond.”
Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society will use the $2 million to develop and deliver health and wellness-oriented programming for Japanese-Canadian internment survivors. The society will also administer funding with the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) to other Japanese-Canadian organizations that support survivors.
“The terrible loss suffered by thousands of Japanese-Canadians in the 1940s is still impacting the community today, with many experiencing lasting health issues and trauma,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This funding will provide much-needed health and wellness supports to internment survivors, helping them to connect with others in their community, to stay healthy and remain independent over the coming years.”
The funding will help these centres to enhance their programming for seniors in assisted and independent living, as well as the local community. This will include supports for those with dementia and Parkinson’s disease, community talks about current issues and concerns, and exercise classes to help seniors stay fit and healthy.
“Trauma affects generations, and we have seen this time and time again,” said Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care. “That’s why today is so important – we must recognize the steps needed for the healing and recognition journey for Japanese-Canadians, who are now seniors, and ensure we fulfil our promise to the survivors of these historical wrongs.”
The grant is a first step towards fulfilling a mandate commitment of the Ministry of Attorney General to honour the Japanese-Canadian community by providing lasting recognition of the traumatic internment of Japanese -Canadians during World War II. This grant responds to recommendations from NAJC for targeted funding for health and social care programs for Japanese-Canadian survivors.
Lorene Oikawa, President, National Association of Japanese Canadians –
“In our work to preserve and share the history of Japanese Canadians and prevent injustices now and in the future, we also remember our Japanese Canadian survivors who are living today and they deserve the respect and supports they were once denied.”
Susanne Tabata, BC Redress Project Director, National Association of Japanese Canadians –
“Building on this grant, the NAJC will continue to work with our community partners towards more health & wellness supports for our seniors, expanding on a framework to include a focus on intergenerational trauma, along with dementia care, community care, an on-line digital wellness hub, all through the prism of a pandemic.”
Ruth Coles, President, Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society –
“These seniors have unique needs that stem from their lived experience of internment, forced uprooting, dispossession and displacement, causing many survivors to rebuild their lives outside of British Columbia. These actions led to challenges that have followed through life - their education was disrupted, friendship and trust taken away, and for much economic hardship, there are health issues, shame, and lack of resolution from these actions.”
Mary Kitagawa, Elder –
“The elderly survivors who are living now were children who now must carry on the pain of that cruel journey that our parents and grandparents suffered.”
Cathy Makihara, past Executive Director, Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society – “To ensure the fund meets priority needs, this will be a community-based participatory grant, where the local community identifies the priorities.”
Seniors Health and Wellness Announcement
Livestreaming
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 11am PDT
This announcement will focus on seniors health and wellness for the Japanese Canadian community.
Join the BC Ministry of Attorney General Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism, Rachna Singh, for a special announcement, accompanied by a Welcome from Bernie Skundaal Williams, a statement from elder Mary Kitagawa and a program description from Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society’s Ruth Coles and Cathy Makihara. This announcement will focus on seniors health and wellness for the Japanese Canadian community.
The announcement and event will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/hJcunqij9g0 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 beginning at 11am PDT.
Meet Eiji Yoshikawa, who is keeping up the good fight!
At Nimi Nikkei Home (before Corona), you could find Eiji in the Kenko Wellness Lounge teaching seniors how to box in the “Outfight Parkinson” program.
Meet Eiji Yoshikawa, Who Is Keeping Up The Good Fight!
Volunteer Spotlight
Eiji is 60 years young. He was born in Japan in Shikoku, and grew up in a Buddhist temple since his grandpa was a monk. He spent his youth like a monkey, playing in the fields, rivers, mountains, and seas for 20 hours per day. He has also lived in Tokyo, and majored in French Literature at Chuo University in Tokyo.
““I never listened to adults around me but did listen to Chaplin, Visconti, Fellini, Carne, Picasso, Vivaldi, Bizet, Beethoven, Renoir… those top filmmakers, painters, composers, etc., who were the “real deals” to this wild kid.” ”
Since 1980, Eiji has been a professional boxer, and is still fighting for charities. He didn’t marry until he was 45, spending much of his time training boxing champions.
““I flew probably 800 times through the world and it taught me so much”, he says. ”
Eiji has coached not only world champions but also anyone wishing to learn from him, as boxing is a learning tool to be a better person in endless and diverse ways.
At Nimi Nikkei Home (before Corona), you could find Eiji in the Kenko Wellness Lounge teaching seniors how to box in the “Outfight Parkinson” program. When the gloves were off, he also helped copywrite Japanese for the website, and make posters. In his role as Volunteer Coordinator, he would help find volunteers, and organize volunteer appreciation events such as movie shows, boxing classes, boxing shows at the Dojo, etc.
If you’re wondering how Eiji first got involved at Nikkei Place, this is how the story goes…
““I have a boxing class called MamaFight in North Vancouver. One night, a lady came to watch the class. Afterward, she said “I’m starting a class for seniors with Parkinson’s disease and I need to learn boxing first myself”. I said “I’ll come tomorrow” and I did. Ever since, years of miracle-making class where the “incurable disease” has been proven not incurable. When I heard “Parkinson’s disease”, there was no second to wait.””
When we asked Eiji why it was important to him to volunteer at Nikkei Place, he summed it up by quoting Mother Thersa – “A life not lived for others is not a life”.
The first time Eiji ran the “Outfight Parkinson” boxing class, he remembered that the seniors looked rather quiet and unsure. However, soon they were laughing out loud with other participants even about the disease and telling new participants “Don’t listen to those bad doctors. Just come here and punch! You’ll be fine, I guarantee!”
The biggest surprising moment that came from volunteering with Nimi Nikkei Home happened to Eiji in 2019.
““I found myself fighting again in the ring at age 59 against the 27-year-old Canadian National Champion 3 times within a year just to inspire the seniors.””
It’s hard not to be inspired by Eiji’s enthusiasm and zest for life. We are so happy and appreciative of all the wonderful things he brings to Nimi Nikkei Home – positivity, inspiration, and smiles on seniors’ faces.
Seniors celebrate an early spring tradition: Hina Matsuri (Girls' Day)
On February 26, seniors spent some time decorating paper hina dolls in honor of Hina Matsuri. For the participants of Iki Iki Light, it is a wonderful way to connect to a traditional festival…
Seniors at the Iki Iki Light program celebrate Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Day)
Iki Iki Light is an activity and social program offered by Nikkei Seniors Society for those living with dementia. During the program on February 26, seniors spent some time decorating paper hina dolls in honor of Hina Matsuri — a Japanese early-spring tradition of families wishing for the health and happiness of young girls in Japan. On the 2nd floor at Nimi Nikkei Home, the hina dolls are out on display in honour of this festival. Hina Matsuri is celebrated on March 3 of each year.
For the participants of Iki Iki Light, it is a wonderful way to connect to a traditional festival. The figures that are being decorated are the emperor and empress dolls which are placed at the top tiers, with other court members placed on the lower tiers. For all the volunteers who helped, we thank you very much for making this day a special one at Iki Iki Light.
Iki Iki Light is a recurring Wednesday program running from 10 am to 2 pm at Nimi Nikkei Home’s Kenko Wellness Lounge. It offers a variety of activities and lunch for seniors in a gentle and encouraging environment. Registration is required for this program - please contact Nikkei Seniors Society for more information.
We thank all the volunteers and donors who have made this program possible.
Kenko Talks: An Educational Series about Healthy Aging
In 2018, Nikkei Seniors Society started running ‘Kenko Talks’, a series of educational seminars to discuss important topics and issues facing today’s seniors. November’s topic will be…
Kenko Talks: An Educational Series about Healthy Aging
November’s topic will be on “Financial Planning in Your Senior Years”! Date to be announced soon.
In 2018, Nikkei Seniors Society started running ‘Kenko Talks’, a series of educational seminars to discuss important topics and issues facing today’s seniors. The series has addressed a number of topics about health care and planning for the future as we age. The most recent talk in October, “Advance Care Planning”, featured Advance Care Planning Nurse Clinician speakers from the Fraser Health Authority.
November’s topic will be on “Financial Planning in Your Senior Years”. Stay tuned, the date will be announced soon!
Interested in attending?
All Kenko Talks are free to attend ($5 donation is appreciated)
Talks are in English (with a Japanese interpreter)
Maximum capacity: 30 people
Register to attend by calling Nikkei Seniors Society at 604.777.5000 (ext 2000) or email srhousing@nikkeiplace.org
Kenko Talks topics have included:
“Advance Care Planning” (october 2019)
Expressing your wishes and instructions for future health care treatment
Expressing your life’s meaning, purpose and joy?
Why plan now? What does my health condition mean to me?
Starting advance care planning - deciding who makes decisions for you when you cannot.
Resources
“Moving Along in Your Caregiving” (September 2019)
Hands-on demonstration - techniques and equipment
Helping your loved one to stay mobile
Fall and injury prevention
Practical ways to help support your loved one’s abilities
Resources
“Being an Informal Caregiver” (June 2019)
Caregiving -- what is it anyway?
Normal aging? or illness? What to look out for
Planning for the future
Practical Steps
“De-Prescribing— What’s That” (February 2019)
Getting the word out on what prescriptions you’re taking and why you need to be vigilant.
Too many meds? Why all the fuss?
What percent of seniors take 5 to 10+ meds? What is polypharmacy?
How do medications stay in our body?
What can you do?
“Choices for Seniors Housing” (November 2018)
What are the options for assisted living, independent living, and residential care?
“Care at Home — Home is Best” (June 2018)
How to arrange care so you can live at home independently
Gordon Kadota's Life Remembered
Gordon was a great story teller and often started by saying “It’s a long story”. On Sunday, September 22, a large number of the Nikkei community gathered at Nikkei Place to celebrate the life of our dear friend…
Gordon Kadota's Life Remembered
His life, leadership, and lasting legacy in the Japanese Canadian community will never be forgotten.
Gordon was a great story teller and often started by saying “It’s a long story”. On Sunday, September 22, a large number of the Nikkei community gathered at Nikkei Place to celebrate the life of our dear friend and longtime supporter Gordon Kadota, and remember his story.
Gordon was born on January 15, 1933 in New Westminster, B.C., the 8th child of Kantaro and Shigeno (nee Kunita) Kadota. At the age of 7 he was taken to Japan for a visit, but the outbreak of World War II prevented his return to Canada. He spent 12 years in Japan, graduating from Kwansei Gakuin University High School and later returned to Canada in 1952.
“Gordon always struck me as unusual among JCs. As a Nisei who was trapped in Japan during the war and was educated there, but who returned to Canada as a young man, he had the ability to navigate both worlds with ease. He himself carried values from both Japan and Canada, and he was able to serve as a bridge between cultures and generations. He was at once blunt and diplomatic, sometimes at the same time, and he had a strong sense of duty to community, while never seeking credit for himself. As the second editor of The Bulletin, he set a tone and a standard that hopefully carries through to this day.”
—John Endo Greenaway
Editor, The Bulletin
Beginning in the mid-1950’s, he volunteered and became a leader in the Japanese Canadian community, serving both in organizations at the local and national levels. Over the years, Gordon received numerous awards for his work in the Japanese Canadian community, in business and tourism and the betterment of relations between Japan and Canada.
In 2016, Gordon received Nikkei Place Foundation’s Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2000, his dream of creating a gathering place for the Japanese-Canadian community was realized with the building of Nikkei Place in Burnaby, B.C.
“Gordon was a very unique man — he championed causes and worked with everyone. Like so many great leaders, he was patient and he worked tirelessly to prove that Nikkei Place was a dream that we needed to pursue.”
— Robert Banno
President, NPF
He had a big heart, kind words and a sense of humour that made it possible for him to continue for so many years in public service.
“Gordon Kadota will be remembered for his important work on behalf of the Japanese Canadian community. We will also remember his kindness, good humour and generosity.”
—Lorene Oikawa
President, NAJC