Author: Takashi Toyooka

Say No to Anti-Asian Racism

While Asian Heritage Month is over, there is still a continuing need for dialogue beyond the month of festivities. It’s important that we continue to ensure that the broader Asian community can come together and support one another.  

It is empowering  for Japanese Canadians to be learning more through other communities.  These are important networks to build and strengthen.

To learn more, please see the Eventbrite page:
Say No to Anti-Asian Racism – A Path Forward Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Nengajo Contest opens!

The OJCA is excited to announce our Kid’s Nengajo Drawing and Colouring Contest!

3 lucky winners will be selected at random to receive some fun prizes courtesy of the Ottawa Japanese Cultural Centre!

Prizes made by the OJCC!

How to enter:

  • Make a nengajo card or download our template. Original submissions should include “Happy New Years” and a picture of an ox (2021 zodiac animal).
  • Scan the card or take a picture and submit entry to communications@ojca.ca.

Contest Rules:

  • Open to children between the ages 3-13 in the National Capital Region.
  • One submission per child
  • Entries must be received by December 28, 2020.

Winners will be announced January 3, 2021.

Disclaimer:

By submitting an entry, you agree to allow the OJCA to share the image on social media and OJCA.ca. Contact information will not be included.

Personal information is collected for contest purposes only.

2020 Mochitsuki Cancellation

For the past 42 years, friends and family of the Japanese Canadian community in Ottawa have gathered at the OJCA-OJCC Mochitsuki to celebrate the upcoming New Year with food, activities and performances from local talent. Unfortunately, we must officially announce the cancellation of this year’s Mochitsuki due to the current COVID-19 situation.

We look forward to celebrating together with you next year! In the meantime, keep an eye on our Facebook page for fun holiday-themed content.

We wish you all a fun and safe holiday!

Statement on Black Lives Matter

The OJCA supports the call for an end to the violence against Black people, as well as all racialized and Indigenous peoples.  As a member organization of the NAJC, we echo their statement:

“We protest the racism experienced by Black Canadians and Americans which has all too often included their deaths at the hands of law enforcement. We question how this could happen especially in their homes, and jogging and driving in their neighbourhoods. We need to understand and check our privilege. We need to learn more about the history of our country and the challenges faced by Black Canadians. We need to have the hard conversations to do better at home, at schools, at our workplaces, and in our communities.”

Please read the full statement below:

NAJC Statement on Black Lives Matter

(Photo by Life Matters from Pexels)