The Idaho Humanities Council will host a three-part series titled “80 Years of Reckoning” in collaboration with Friends of Minidoka to acknowledge the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the first incarcerees at the historic Minidoka War Relocation Center.

All three parts of the program will be available online, free of charge, via the IHC website, the Friends of Minidoka website, YouTube, and your favorite podcast service on the go.

The first episode, “80 Years of Reckoning: Minidoka National Historic Site”, is available for viewing now. This episode focuses on the history of the Minidoka National Historic Site with Kurt Ikeda, Director of Interpretation and Education, Minidoka National Historic Site. This episode is a wonderful introduction to Minidoka, touches on the impacts today, and provides context for American Society eighty years ago.

The Second episode, “80 Year of Reckoning: Multigenerational Trauma of Japanese American Incarceration”, brings on Dr. Donna Nagata from the University of Michigan to discuss multi-generational trauma and the psychosocial consequences of the World War II incarceration and historical trauma on Japanese Americans. This episode will be available to engage with by August 26th.

The final installment, “80 Years of Reckoning: Minidoka Survivors and Descendants Panel Discussion”, will focus on the impacts, stories, and legacies of Minidoka through the lens of Survivors and Descendants. The panel will include: Paul Tomita, Survivor (Sansei); Mary Abo, Survivor (Nisei); Karen Hirai Olen, Survivor (Sansei); Wendy Tokuda, Descendant (Sansei): and Stephen Kitajo, Descendant (Yonsei). This will be available by August 31 st.

We are extremely pleased to announce with our partner North Shore Productions the upcoming community screening of our full length 60 minute documentary, Betrayed: Surviving An American Concentration Camp.

In person screening on Saturday, March 12 at 2 pm PT at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art in partnership with Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community. Cost Free. Register HERE.

Betrayed tells the story of a group of American citizens and their mass incarceration by the U.S. government, purely on the basis of race. In the compelling voices of survivors of Minidoka, a concentration camp in the Idaho desert, the film explores the unconstitutional suspension of the civil rights of these Japanese Americans during WWII and the long-lasting impact of the incarceration on their community. Betrayed examines the incarceration of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest in order to tell a universal story about unjust imprisonment and the loss of civil rights.

The film also explores the long-term effects of the incarceration over decades, and the phenomenon of intergenerational trauma as it affects this community. Over 40 camp survivors and descendants bring an unparalleled immediacy and urgency to the story. Our interviewees include the late Kay Sakai Nakao, one of the first Japanese Americans to be taken, the poet Larry Matsuda, Paul Tomita, whose father went directly from camp to join the OSS, Satsuki Ina, a trauma therapist who was herself born in a concentration camp, and many others.

Lastly, Betrayed looks at the rise of Japanese American activism in defense of the rights of others, and the relevance of this story today, both in the targeting of groups based on their religion or ethnicity and the actions of the U.S. government at our southern border.

Directed by Rory Banyard and narrated by Tamlyn Tomita.

We are extremely pleased to announce with our partner North Shore Productions the upcoming community screenings and May release of our full length 60 minute documentary, Betrayed: Surviving An American Concentration Camp. Virtual screening THIS Saturday, Feb. 26 at 2 pm PT with Nichi Bei's Annual Films of Remembrance. Cost $15. Register HERE.

Betrayed tells the story of a group of American citizens and their mass incarceration by the U.S. government, purely on the basis of race. In the compelling voices of survivors of Minidoka, a concentration camp in the Idaho desert, the film explores the unconstitutional suspension of the civil rights of these Japanese Americans during WWII and the long-lasting impact of the incarceration on their community. Betrayed examines the incarceration of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest in order to tell a universal story about unjust imprisonment and the loss of civil rights.

The film also explores the long-term effects of the incarceration over decades, and the phenomenon of intergenerational trauma as it affects this community. Over 40 camp survivors and descendants bring an unparalleled immediacy and urgency to the story. Our interviewees include the late Kay Sakai Nakao, one of the first Japanese Americans to be taken, the poet Larry Matsuda, Paul Tomita, whose father went directly from camp to join the OSS, Satsuki Ina, a trauma therapist who was herself born in a concentration camp, and many others.

Lastly, Betrayed looks at the rise of Japanese American activism in defense of the rights of others, and the relevance of this story today, both in the targeting of groups based on their religion or ethnicity and the actions of the U.S. government at our southern border.

Directed by Rory Banyard and narrated by Tamlyn Tomita.

Friends of Minidoka, Minidoka National Historic Site, and community partners are commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 with community screenings of Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066. Jon Osaki, the filmmaker, and other community leaders will participate in post-screening panels to discuss the lessons and legacy for today.

Alternative Facts sheds light on the people and politics that influenced the signing of the infamous Executive Order 9066, which authorized the mass incarceration of nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans. The film exposes the lies used to justify the decision and the cover-up that went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The film also examines the parallels to the current climate of fear, attitudes towards immigrant communities, and similar attempts to abuse the powers of the government.

Monday, February 21, 2022
Idaho State Museum, Boise, ID
2:30 - 4:30 pm
Panelists include: Jon Osaki, filmmaker; Leo Morales, Executive Director of The ACLU of Idaho; and Hon. Ronald Bush, former Chief Magistrate Judge for US District Court for the District of Idaho

Co-sponsored with Idaho State Museum, ACLU of Idaho, Boise Valley Japanese American Citizens League, Boise State University, and National Park Service.

To attend in person, RSVP required HERE. Masks suggested. Limited capacity.

Friends of Minidoka, Minidoka National Historic Site, and community partners are commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 with community screenings of Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066. Jon Osaki, the filmmaker, and other community leaders will participate in post-screening panels to discuss the lessons and legacy for today.

Alternative Facts sheds light on the people and politics that influenced the signing of the infamous Executive Order 9066, which authorized the mass incarceration of nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans. The film exposes the lies used to justify the decision and the cover-up that went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The film also examines the parallels to the current climate of fear, attitudes towards immigrant communities, and similar attempts to abuse the powers of the government.

Sunday, February 20, 2022
College of Southern Idaho, Hepworth Building, Room 108
2:30 - 4:30 pm
Panelists include: Jon Osaki, filmmaker; Karen Hirai Olen, Minidoka Survivor; and Alejandra Hernandez, Executive Director, Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho.

Co-sponsored with the Idaho Falls and Pocatello-Blackfoot chapters of the Japanese American Citizens League, Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, and National Park Service.

To attend in person, RSVP required HERE. Masks suggested. Limited capacity.

Friends of Minidoka, Minidoka National Historic Site, and community partners are commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 with community screenings of Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066. Jon Osaki, the filmmaker, and other community leaders will participate in post-screening panels to discuss the lessons and legacy for today.

Alternative Facts sheds light on the people and politics that influenced the signing of the infamous Executive Order 9066, which authorized the mass incarceration of nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans. The film exposes the lies used to justify the decision and the cover-up that went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The film also examines the parallels to the current climate of fear, attitudes towards immigrant communities, and similar attempts to abuse the powers of the government.

Saturday, February 19, 2022
The Community Library, Ketchum, Idaho
4 - 6 pm MT
Panelists include: Jon Osaki, filmmaker; Becky Lopez, Executive Director of The Alliance of Idaho; and Hon. Ronald Bush, former Chief Magistrate Judge for US District Court for the District of Idaho

Co-sponsors include The Community Library, The Alliance of Idaho, and National Park Service.

To attend in person, RSVP required at www.comlib.org. Proof of vaccination and masks required. Limited capacity.
To view the event virtually, click HERE.

JACL National invites members and nonmembers alike to join them for a webinar briefing on Minidoka this Thursday, October 14, at 9:00 PM ET/7:00 PM MT/6 PM PT at the link below. They will be discussing:

• How to submit public comments to the Bureau of Land Management

• What you can do to help.

• Information we have for the team.

Your voice matters! 

Click Here to join the Zoom Webinar on Thursday

Live online sessions Wednesday, September 15th

5PM MT / 4PM PT Link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ2bXWevxn4

Join this information session and writing workshop with these three experts:

Ben Otto is an Energy Associate for the Idaho Conservation League. Ben protects Idaho’s air quality and climate stability by engaging directly with utilities and state regulators to replace fossil fuels with clean energy.

Holly Sandbo is the Northern Rockies' Manager of Outreach and Engagement of the National Parks Conservation Association.

Dan Sakura has worked with Japanese American non-profit partners and the National Park Service to create, expand, and protect World War II-era confinement sites as National Parks.

They will walk through, step by step, how to write an effective public comment that cannot be denied! Bring your list of ideas and rough drafts and fine tune your public comment. Bring your friends and family! Q and A session to follow. Produced by the Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages. These sessions will be recorded and posted afterwards on the JAMP website.

Live online sessions Wednesday, September 15th

12PM MT / 11AM PT Link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnKAm4rjXFk

Join this information session and writing workshop with these three experts:

Ben Otto is an Energy Associate for the Idaho Conservation League. Ben protects Idaho’s air quality and climate stability by engaging directly with utilities and state regulators to replace fossil fuels with clean energy.

Holly Sandbo is the Northern Rockies' Manager of Outreach and Engagement of the National Parks Conservation Association.

Dan Sakura has worked with Japanese American non-profit partners and the National Park Service to create, expand, and protect World War II-era confinement sites as National Parks.

They will walk through, step by step, how to write an effective public comment that cannot be denied! Bring your list of ideas and rough drafts and fine tune your public comment. Bring your friends and family! Q and A session to follow. Produced by the Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages. These sessions will be recorded and posted afterwards on the JAMP website.

The United States Postal Service has issued a commemorative stamp titled Go for Broke: Japanese American Soldiers of WWII that will be available beginning June 3, 2021. The Postal Service announced:

With this commemorative stamp, the Postal Service recognizes the contributions of Japanese American soldiers, some 33,000 altogether, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

For a time, these second-generation Japanese Americans, known as Nisei, were denied the opportunity to fight despite being American citizens. Many were forcibly removed to incarceration camps for fear their loyalty lay with the country of their parents rather than the country in which they were born and raised.

They were, however, eventually formed into what became one of the most distinguished American fighting units of World War II: the all-Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Thousands of other Nisei served as translators, interpreters, and interrogators in the Pacific Theater for the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), nearly a thousand served in the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion, and more than 100 Nisei women joined the Women’s Army Corp.

The stamp art is based on a photograph of a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, whose motto was “Go for Broke.” The photograph was taken in 1944 at a railroad station in France. The stamp was printed in the intaglio print method. The color scheme of the stamp is patriotic, and the type runs up the side in a manner suggestive of the vertical style in which Japanese text was traditionally written. The stamp was designed by art director Antonio Alcalá.

Our friends at Stamp Our Story have led the campaign to honor the Nisei veterans through a commemorative stamp for over 15 years, and have submitted formal requests for a “Go For Broke” stamp in various forms since 2005. “The issuance of this stamp is a culmination of over 15 years of work by Stamp Our Story campaign founders Fusa Takahashi, Aiko O. King, the late Chiz Ohira, and the many individuals who have helped over the years,” said Wayne Osako, co-chair of the Stamp Our Story campaign. Friends of Minidoka was able to garner the support of Representative Mike Simpson and Senators Mike Crapo and James Risch for the stamp in 2017, when the delegation submitted a letter to the Post Master General in support of a stamp to honor the Nisei soldiers.

Stamps and commemorative first day covers and digital postmarks are available for preorder and will be available for purchase June 3rd at https://store.usps.com

As part of our 2021 virtual education series in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Minidoka National Historic Site, the National Park Service and Friends of Minidoka invite you to join on Sunday, June 13th, for a special program to dedicate the Go for Broke stamp and commemorate the rich legacy of Idaho’s Japanese American soldiers who served in the US Army during WWII amidst intense racial prejudice and war hysteria. 

This program is brought to you by Friends of Minidoka and the National Park Service in partnership with Boise State University School of Public Service, ACLU of Idaho, The Community Library, the Boise City Department of Arts and History, and the Japanese American Citizens League and produced by Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages.

Join the livestream on the Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages Youtube channel! Share and RSVP to the event on facebook.

Minidoka was designated a unit of the National Park Service on January 17th, 2001. Please join us this January 17th as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of Minidoka National Historic Site through a day of conversations with survivors, partners, and the trailblazers who made it possible to establish the NPS unit, the Minidoka Pilgrimage, and the Friends of Minidoka.

Join us for a panel discussion to talk about the beginning and evolution of the Minidoka Pilgrimage with Anna Tamura, Dale Watanabe, Stephen Kitajo, and Gloria Shigeno.

Stream it live on Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages Youtube: https://youtu.be/twy7r_W3gvI or on Friends of Minidoka Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMinidoka/

This program is in partnership with the National Park Service, Friends of Minidoka, Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages, and the Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee; with support from: Boise State University, ACLU Idaho, The Community Library, and Boise City Department of Arts & History.

Minidoka was designated a unit of the National Park Service on January 17th, 2001. Please join us this January 17th as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of Minidoka National Historic Site through a day of conversations with survivors, partners, and the trailblazers who made it possible to establish the NPS unit, the Minidoka Pilgrimage, and the Friends of Minidoka.

Join us for a discussion about how Minidoka War Relocation Center was established as a park unit, and how it became Minidoka National Historic Site. Learn about the early days of the development of the site with Neil King (First Superintendent at Minidoka), Dan Sakura (Clinton Administration Staffer), Emily Momohara (Formerly of the Friends of Minidoka), Anna Tamura (National Park Service Planner), and Hanako Wakatsuki (Chief of Interpretation at Minidoka); moderated by Wade Vagias (Superintendent of Minidoka).

Stream it live on Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages Youtube: https://youtu.be/rwfKmOwvyXM or on Friends of Minidoka Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMinidoka/

This program is in partnership with the National Park Service, Friends of Minidoka, Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages, and the Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee; with support from: Boise State University, ACLU Idaho, The Community Library, and Boise City Department of Arts & History.

Minidoka was designated a unit of the National Park Service on January 17th, 2001. Please join us this January 17th as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of Minidoka National Historic Site through a day of conversations with survivors, partners, and the trailblazers who made it possible to establish the NPS unit, the Minidoka Pilgrimage, and the Friends of Minidoka.

Join us for a survivors panel with Paul Tomita, Joni Kimoto, and Dave Sakura to hear about their family's experiences at the Minidoka War Relocation Center.

Stream it live on Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages Youtube: https://youtu.be/pH2iNqT1hEQ or
on Friends of Minidoka Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMinidoka/

This program is in partnership with the National Park Service, Friends of Minidoka, Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages, and the Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee; with support from: Boise State University, ACLU Idaho, The Community Library, and Boise City Department of Arts & History.