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I will take you very briefly to Minto – then some GOOD NEWS!

Those of us sent to East Lillooet, Bridge River and Minto supported ourselves without government assistance. Our family would remain thus “independent” for the war’s duration. We were a self-supporting group. We found ourselves among some of the wealthiest of the Japanese. Some were significantly affluent. They owned sawmills and businesses; some were doctors, others were leaders in the Fishing Industry. All had been landowners. In contrast, our family was simply not in the same league financially. (I don’t think!) Our having qualified for the “self-supporting status” remains a mystery to me. I can only surmise that the decision-makers had been influenced by my father’s leadership role.

Upon arriving in Minto, our family’s austerity program commenced. Forthwith, Mother sought employment with Mayor Davidson cleaning his house.  She also did laundry  on a washboard for the owners general store.^1.  Her work brought food to our table in the form of $0.15 worth of bologna. Vegetables from the garden augmented our diet.

But before we left Minto, the most traumatic movement of my entire life occurred. The war was nearing an end. The Canadian government announced an edict to the Japanese: “Go east of the Rockies or repatriate to Japan.” We had never been East of Minto, and we knew no one east of the Rockies. Japan had been devastated by war. It would be insane to go there.

It was the most bewildering period of our entire lives. Then the impossible happened – the verdict was announced. Father decided to take the family to Japan! I went into a state of shock. This was madness! I panicked. How could our father do this to us!! I had to object with all the strength I had. I pleaded, I begged, I prayed over and over but father was adamant, mother silent. Couldn’t they sense my desperation? Canada was our home! They must have sensed my desperation. A sudden crack appeared— a ray of hope—my parents announced that Miss Lang was soon to visit Minto. They would consult her!

I remember the meeting. We children were in the kitchen, eavesdropping, holding our breath. It was do or die for me.

It was evening – Miss Lang listened intently – it seemed that she was not happy with what she was hearing. Then she started “Mr. and Mrs. Miwa, it is up to you to make that decision” then she paused, agonizingly long, oh so long. I thought, this is it. Then finally she continued: “but you must think of your children and their education . . . . They were born in Canada.”

My prayers were answered – with Miss Lang’s intervention. The Miwas remained, and for some reason we received permission to stay in British Columbia. We all left Minto – some say, a beautiful little town – with gardens displaying magnificent flowers – and produce enough to supply Goldbridge, seven miles away. The Japanese do leave their mark.

The Bridge River Hydro Project was completed by WAC Bennett, and Minto no longer exists. It was replaced by Carpenter Lake. Minto lies beneath.

For the continuing story find Dale's next blog . . . Finding gold!

Footnote:

1. Mr. and Mrs. Archie Cowan were one of the  couples who owned the general store. Please contact the Salmon Arm Museum and Heritage Association at archives@salmonarmmuseum.org if you can help with other names.

Photo of East Lillooet courtesy East Lillooet Internment Site Memorial Garden - Historic Places Days

Archival staff continue to search for photographs of  neighbouring town of Minto taken between 1942 and 1949. Please email the archives@salmonarmmuseum.org if  you are able to help. Many thanks.