Experiencing The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver, British Columbia
By Jay Kana | Published February 18th, 2026
Photos by Jay Kana
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“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905.
The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver, British Columbia.
On the shores of Slocan Lake in southeastern British Columbia is New Denver, home to the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre.
Designated a Parks Canada National Historic Site in 2007, it’s a crucial part of Canada’s history through tragedy, infamy and cruelty.
The centre commemorated their 30th anniversary in 2024 and while it may not be as well-known as it should be, this should be experienced at least once by Canadians.
Outside of The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver, British Columbia.
What is the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre?
It’s one of the sites where, in 1942 during World War II, approximately 22,000 Japanese Canadians had their civil rights destroyed, displaced from their homes and unfairly relocated here. While approximately 75% were Canadian citizens, the Canadian government at the time still proceeded.
This centre shares their stories, memories, shows what life was like in internment camps and honours their memories through remembrance.
The Heiwa Teien (Peace Garden) at The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver, British Columbia
Upon entry, the Heiwa Teien (Peace Garden) was crafted by world-renowned master gardener Mr. Roy Tomomichi Sumi, a former internee at Tashme, Rosebery and New Denver.
It brings a sense of calm and serenity in an emotionally heavy environment.
An original cabin at The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver, British Columbia.
When you visit, you’ll experience three of the original cabins and a community centre that shows what their journeys and living conditions.
Forced to start over without choice, these Japanese Canadians rebuilt their lives as best they could given what little they were provided.
As you tour the grounds, you’ll see rooms, religious areas, a peace arch, musical instruments, photographs, artwork, newspaper clippings and other literature outlining their history and time here.
An original tent at The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver, British Columbia.
When this first happened, many of the buildings and housing wasn’t yet built, so they were forced to sleep in tents, one of which is on display.
There are timelines scattered throughout the Centre, which is important to get an understanding of what these Japanese Canadians went through and when. Cars were impounded, as were fishing vessels, and they were forced to leave nearly everything behind when the internment process began.
There’s much more to the centre than what I’m including here in hopes that it’ll inspire you to visit yourself.
A step forward happened in 1988, when Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and the President of the National Association of Japanese Canadians signed a redress settlement, and an official apology was issued, along with monetary compensation.
Paper Cranes in the main building at The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver, British Columbia.
This dark chapter in Canadian history is important to learn about and understand, regardless of demographic.
Remembering those who were interned and being shown their unwanted new lives isn’t an easy experience. It’s a path that should be slowly walked to appreciate the freedoms our modern world allows for.
The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre is open from early May to late September.