09/13/2026
September 19 is fast approaching for the official unveiling of Chemainus’ newest mural project.
Remembering And Honouring
Japanese Canadians In Chemainus
This art installation project, funded by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society
and managed by the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society, remembers and
honours the Japanese Canadians in Chemainus and depicts their contributions to
the community.
An 8-foot-high x 16-foot-long mural features a montage of three historical images
highlighting Japanese Canadians’ involvement in the fishing and forestry
industries and in the community. The fishing industry portion depicts their large
fishing fleet in the harbour, and the forestry portion shows three men in the forest
felling a tree. The community portion features an image of their Japanese
Canadian Hall, still standing today and used as a home. Featured in front of the
Hall are a teacher and students of the Kyoritsu Chemainus Japanese Language
School.
The mural is protected by a Japanese-inspired roof structure in three parts. The
installation is beautified by a welcoming entranceway into the area surrounding
the mural itself. The area is covered with decomposed granite. Two marble
benches are angled toward the mural for visitors to sit, view and contemplate the
mural. Landscaping of the entire installation features a Japanese garden
complemented by a boulder retaining wall, a stone wall, cedar fencing, river rock
and a large rock which is considered the bones of the landscape, representing
permanence, stability, and the essence of nature in a concentrated form.
The contributions of Japanese Canadians who lived, worked, prospered and
thrived in Chemainus were many. Knowledge of their presence here has been, for
the most part, lost. We have two other murals dedicated to the Japanese
Canadians; however, this art installation adds other elements to their story. It is
very important that their story be told to enable people to gain an appreciation for
and knowledge of their contributions to the community.
We acknowledge the contributions of Mark Staples, Project Manager, Heritage
and Cultural Consultant and the following: Silke Seiler, Mural Artist; the
Municipality of North Cowichan; Dai Ona, Japanese Cultural Consultant; Daylon
Heath, Heathcraft Carpentry; Imashi Garden Inc., BC Marble Products, Tall Tree
Lumber and Wild Side Construction.
The official unveilings will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Croft Street, between Mill St. and Alder St., Chemainus
The program will include remarks from dignitaries and guest speakers, the official unveiling and refreshments.
