The Japanese community in Alberta is perhaps best known in terms
of its arrival after evacuation from the west coast of British
Columbia in the difficult years of World War II. However, the
community's presence has much earlier roots. The capacity of the
community to face and successfully resolve these challenges is one
of the more important stories of its settlement and contribution
to Alberta.
Early Years
The first Japanese settlement in Alberta was the idea of Takemoni
Nagatani, who arrived in 1906 after graduating from the Ontario
College of Agriculture. Leasing 10,000 acres of land east of
Calgary, Nagatani brought a number of Japanese farmers to work the
land. With difficulty in adapting their farming techniques to
Alberta's climate, many left the settlement for Calgary or the
Pacific Coast. Some stayed and took work with other farmers,
learning to farm in dry land conditions.
Japanese labour contractors brought nearly 1,000 workers to
cultivate sugar beets and to build railroads and irrigation
projects in southern Alberta. Many of these labourers sought to
earn money to purchase farms back on their home islands, such as
Kyushu, Honshu and Okinawa. The labour contractors would provide
jobs, mail service and sometimes food, clothing and tools. These
labourers faced the common prejudices of the day that all Asians
faced. These prejudices were rationalized by a fear that Japanese
workers would work for lower wages and undermine the livelihood of
others. However, with a shortage of labour, workers of all
ancestries, were in demand.
As well, many of these labourers moved to regions where the
climate was similar to their homeland. By 1911 only 244 Japanese
were living in Alberta, many of these employed in coal mining
around Lethbridge, where they affiliated with unions and received
equitable wages. Others established farms around Raymond and
operated small businesses in Calgary. By 1914, Japanese cultural
societies had been formed in Calgary and Raymond, creating support
and social opportunities and promoting better relations with the
non-Japanese community.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
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