Built to commemorate Japanese Canadians, Kohan Reflection Garden celebrates 30th anniversary
By Ari Lord
Recently in New Denver, the Kohan Reflection Garden marked its 30th anniversary.
Built to commemorate the Japanese Canadians interned in the area during the Second World War, the garden, a labour of love in the community, has hosted dance, music, theatre, poetry readings, book signings, martial arts, yoga and art classes.
There have been celebrations of birthdays, weddings and memorials.
Visitors include the local community, families camping in Centennial Park, visitors from nearby towns and cities, and tours of people of Japanese heritage and survivors of internment camps.
“The volunteers came together in the first place because they wanted to create a beautiful garden space that encouraged Japanese horticulture, and it’s important to commemorate their fellow citizens, the Japanese Canadians interned in the village of New Denver and the surrounding areas in World War Two,” said Nicky Blackshaw, Kohan Reflection Garden Coordinator.
Blackshaw took time out of the day to speak with Sarah Lord in this week’s edition of the Hall Printing, Daily Dose.
