On June 27, 2024, the City of Mission, in partnership with the Fujikawa Family, held an Opening Ceremony for celebrating the new Fujikawa Garden and Interpretive Sign. The sign resides at Silverdale Park and shares the story of the pioneer Silverdale family strawberry farmers while also honouring the legacy of the Japanese Canadian Community in Mission.
The 10-year project was a collaboration made possible through donations and active support from family members, local volunteers, students, and City’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Staff Mark Haney, Jason Horton, Melissa Kendzierski & Caroline Dalgleish.
The following is a reflection shared by Kim Walker, the project lead of the Fujikawa Garden Committee and descendent of the Fujikawa Family.
Thanks to all for the Hugely Successful Fujikawa Garden Opening Celebration
On June 27, which is Canadian Multiculturalism Day, we marked Fujikawa Garden on the map as cultural landscape with a living history.
Joining us for the celebration were: Fujikawa Family relations; residents; family friends; Silverdale Elementary students, staff, and parents; provincial, municipal and Kwantlen First Nation dignitaries; JCLS; local media; friends, volunteers, and other garden contributors.
The morning began with acknowledgements and broader context for the Fujikawa Family story by Mayor Paul Horn. I, as the Fujikawa Family representative, brought the project into focus on how it all happened and why. Two Uzume Taiko drummers led an incredibly moving performance with grade 5/6 students from Silverdale Elementary School. Then it was time for locally made strawberry marble ice cream from Birchwood Dairy and strawberry cupcakes made by Brandie McDonald. What a wonderful day!
What a wonderful day!
So many people supported this project in so many ways. Among those acknowledged on the story panel in the garden are - cousins, donors, volunteers, old friends, and new friends. Together, they contributed – historical knowledge, photographs, professional services, plants, advice, a critical eye, and money. They fed & sheltered us. And they helped to design, build, plant, water & weed.
Thanks to the City of Mission’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture for their partnership with the Fujikawa Family in developing this garden and for taking responsibility to maintain it into the future. We hope the Fujikawa Garden project - with all its ups & downs – will be seen as valuable learning experience to leverage community resources and build new community assets. Staff members Mark Haney, Jason Horton and Caroline Dalgleish stepped up, and their contributions to this garden were substantial.
We gratefully acknowledge support from the Community Fund of the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society. The importance of their Community Projects grant stream cannot be underestimated as we were able to complete the Fujikawa Garden. The grant infused new energy and excitement into the project. It helped bring the community together and focus our efforts. And, it validates the Fujikawa Family -- and the significance of this cultural landscape -- in our shared history. This Is a Place That Matters!
To people who make all the difference:
- The Fujikawa Garden Committee - Charlene MacDonald, Bill Broomfield, Ron S. Fujikawa, Ken Hood, Paul Horn, Mark Haney, Aaron Fujikawa, Donnie Shimotakahara, Heather Donatelli, Mandy Shintani, and Dale Clark
- The Designers & Makers - Cameron Murray & Laura Jean Kelly (landscape architects), Sarah Elias (graphic designer), Mike Kelly (engraver), Tom Symington (stone mason), and Stephen Connolly (woodworker)
- The plant & monetary donors, gardeners, bakers, singers, drummers, strawberry planters & all the helping hands.
- Of course it had to rain on Thursday. What can we say, except that we need the rain! We were fortunate that Silverdale Community Hall opened their doors for our use.
Thank you all so very much!
-Kim Walker
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