Omoide - Memories, Recollections and Reminiscences, honouring the history and legacy of Japanese Canadians on Gabriola

Description

The community is invited to join Gabriola Museum at Pages Inn on Silva Bay, in the grand unveiling of their newest exhibit, Omoide – Memories, Recollections and Reminiscences, honouring the history and legacy of Japanese Canadians on Gabriola Island, with a focus on the Koyama and Shinde families, and their contributions to Gabriola’s culture and economic history. 

The permanent exhibit at Gabriola Museum showcases two BC heritage sites on Silva Bay, the Koyama Fish Camp and the Shinde Sunrise Sawmill, and features miniature dioramas of these two sites. The story of Nikkei (anyone with one or more ancestors from Japan) on Gabriola continues on location at Silva Bay, shared through the project’s two monuments to the Koyama and Shinde families, inspired by Shinto torii gates and an interactive mobile exhibit, Gaman, meaning resilience and endurance, that showcases Gabriola artists influenced by Japanese culture. These exhibits are on display at Pages Inn on Silva Bay and Pages Resort & Marina, close to the original Koyama Fish Camp and Shinde Sawmill sites. 

This event is also the formal opening of Gabriola Museum’s 2026 season! 

Part 1: Opening of the Museum Permanent Exhibit & Reception. By invitation only due to space limitations at the Gabriola Museum 10:30 am – Welcome & Opening Remarks. Please be seated by 10:15 am 11:30 am to 1 pm – Reception & Viewing of the Museum Exhibit 

Part 2: Omoide Exhibit Grand Unveiling & Community Celebration. Open to all, please register in advance. at Pages Inn on Silva Bay 2:30 pm – Welcome & Opening Ceremony. Please be seated by 2:15 pm 3:30-4:30 pm – Reception Please register below to help us plan the event. 

Opening Week-end Museum Hours for Exhibit Viewing Saturday May 23, 2-4 pm Sunday May 24, 11 am – 4 pm We gratefully acknowledge the support from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society. 

For more information about the story of Nikkei in British Columbia and in Canada and to learn about other BC Heritage Sites, visit the following websites: Japanese Canadian Legacies Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre