Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre Japanese Garden - New Denver, BC
Posted by: 
T0SHEA
N 49° 59.244 W 117° 22.328
11U E 473323 N 5537296
This memorial centre, dedicated to the people of Japanese descent who were wrongfully interned during WW II, is at 306 Josephine St. in the village of New Denver.
Waymark Code: WMH86E
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 06/05/2013
Views: 4
Of the many internment camps in the interior of BC during WW II, the New Denver camp, known as “The Orchard” internment camp, was the only one not bulldozed immediately after the war. Some of the houses built on the camp were inhabited as late as 1985.
This museum and interpretive centre contains five buildings, three of which are originals from the camp and two of which are reproductions. Also on the site are many artefacts from the camp and personal possessions of some of the interred.
This centre was designated a Canadian National Historic Site in 2007.
The centre is also home to a beautiful Japanese Garden which meanders through the grounds. The gardens were designed by Mr. Roy Sumi, an internationally renowned gardener and former internee of the Rosebery Internment Camp.
The relevant plaque installed reads:
Hei-wa Tei-en
This traditional Japanese garden was designed by Roy Sumi, a gardener of international reputation. Mr. Sumi, a former Rosebery internee, envisioned the gardens as Kare-sansui (dry water scenery).
Following the traditions of the Kamakura style (1183-1333) the design suggests a landscape of water, trees and mountains. From the "Headwaters" located north of the Kyowakai Hall the pebble river winds through "rapids", under two footbridges, gradually becoming more tranquil before emptying into the "lagoon".
Mr. Sumi has taken an artist's care in placing the "Standing Stones" in the garden. These repasent the skeleion of the garden. Careful consideration is used in their selection, placement and orientation, to create a harmonious mood for visftors to reflect and meditate.