New Westminster resident Henry Tanaka and co-editors Fumio (Frank) Kanno of Burnaby, Jim Tanaka and the late Kotaro Hayashi of Richmond have earned the Roderick Haig-Brown B.C. Book Prize. This prize is awarded to the book that contributes most to the understanding and enjoyment of British Columbia. The winners of the 34th annual B.C. Book Prizes were announced at the May 4th gala in Vancouver; the details can be read at www.bcbookprizes.ca.
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To say Changing Tides: Vanishing Voices of Nikkei Fishermen and Their Families is a history of Japanese fishermen and their families only touches the surface of the tales within this book. It is a compelling read and a deeply personal chronicling of the many issues confronting families living with the challenges of immigration, a vastly different culture and, of course, a different language.
While fishing itself can be a dangerous and challenging career path, the stories of the women who supported the fishermen reflect a different but equally demanding labour.
While building communities and creating success in the fishing industry, the new Canadians are then faced with the impact of the Second World War. The stories of this time reveal the heartbreak of internment: separation from loved ones, loss of homes and possessions and an often hostile, fearful “host” community. The stories of internment are often difficult to read. Juxtaposed with these recollections, however, are amusing anecdotes of family and community life that reflect the spirit and the will to survive.
The postwar stories add another dimension. Those who returned to the coast to fish benefited as a result of fewer restrictions on them and some very good fishing seasons. Other challenges, however, were soon to follow. The stories detail the impact of our modern times. Newer equipment had its pros and cons, but dwindling salmon returns and more restrictive licensing policies affected all in the industry.
This compendium of very personal stories brings to life how world events shape individual and family life. Other reviewers have said this is a story of hardship and triumph, and I agree.
But I also believe it is much more than that. These are also stories of bravery, persistence and resilience. Unintentionally, I think it’s also a tale of choices one has when facing fear and uncertainty. Do we look to blame and to ostracize? Or do we come together and strive to understand and build an even stronger sense of community?
The stories in this book give wonderful voice to the Nikkei fishermen and their families who demonstrated such spirit in the face of adversity.
This review was contributed by New Westminster resident Judi Clark, a retired B.C. school administrator.
