B.C. Association for Learning & Preserving the History of WW II in Asia (ALPHA) was established in January 1997.  The three chapters of ALPHA in BC, Toronto and Calgary joined force to form Canada ALPHA In June 1997.  Our mission is to promote humanity education and racial harmony.  In cooperation with other ethnic groups, including the Japanese Canadian community, ALPHA organizes or participates in events that facilitate the public to learn and reflect on the humanity aspects of WW II in Asia. We agree with Harvard philosopher George Santayana's belief: "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Co-sponsored the Canadian Conference on Preventing Crimes Against Humanity: Lessons from the Asia-Pacific War with Human Rights Committee of JCCA, CAPRN and 3 departments of UBC (First Nations House of Learning, Women’s Studies and International House) www.aplconference.ca

May 20, 2003

Organized the Canadians delegation to Support Survivors of Germ Warfare at the First Appeal Court Hearing In Tokyo.  Other sponsoring organizations are Human Rights Committee of JCCA, CAPRN.  The delegates include:-

• Ellen Woodworth, Vancouver City Councilor, Human Rights Activist

• Judy Hanazawa, Chair, National Association of Japanese Canadians Human Rights Committee

• Sarah Tsang, 2003 Graduate from the University of British Columbia in Honours History, Member of BC ALPHA

• David McIntosh, Member, Greater Vancouver JCCA Human Rights Committee. Interpreter. 

May 29, 2003

Co-sponsored the Korean Roundtable – “Global Militarism: Is Korea Next on the Bush Agenda?” organized by CAPRN.  The following questions are discussed:-

• How should community and labour activists react to US threats against North Korea?

• What can individuals do to prevent another war on the Korean peninsula?

• Does the Canadian government have a role to play?

• Is North Korea a terrorist state?

What is the US strategy in East Asia? Where does Japan fit in?

October 24, 2003

Organized a workshop and information table at the BC Social Studies Teachers’ Association Provincial Conference to introduce the learning resource, “Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific (1931- 1945): Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship”

January 25, 2004

Co-organized with StopWar.ca a form on Korea, US Militarism and the Danger of War in East Asia.  Special guest speakers included Prof. Suh Sung, Prof. John Price and B.C. ALPHA president Thekla Lit.

February 9, 2004

Presentation to the Vancouver School Board urging for their support of the use of the learning resource, “Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific (1931- 1945): Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship”

May 28, 2004

Organized the Public Forum on "North Korea - Cultivating a Culture of Peace in East Asia” as a concurrent event of the Asian Heritage Month.  The form was co-sponsored by Human Rights Committee of JCCA and CARPN.

June 12 & 19, 2004

North America Gale Premiere of May and August in support of the Peace & Reconciliation Study Tour to China for Canadian Teachers to be held from July 26 to August 8, 2004.

July 26 - August 8, 2004

To support the Social Studies Curriculum, the BC Ministry of Education published the Social Studies Teachers’ Guide “Human Rights in the Asia Pacific 1931-1945: Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship” It is an excellent class tool for peace and justice education and for fighting against racism.  It’s the world’s first teachers’ guide using humanity issues in the history of the Asia-Pacific War to teach human rights and global citizenship.

As a partner in the development of this teaching resource, ALPHA has offered continual support to teachers in the effective use of this education tool including organizing the Peace & Reconciliation Study Tour to China for Canadian Teachers.

The Study Tour aims at enhancing teachers’ knowledge and understanding of the cultural and historical background of China during the Asia-Pacific War era.  They will be meeting survivors, historians and teachers, visiting museums and historical sites.  To address legacy of the war and how it impacts regional peace, they will also be meeting scholars and lawyers supporting survivors’ redress.  Moreover, teachers can share their experience in the teaching of social responsibility and global citizenship, including developing ideas in using the teachers’ guide.

The first Peace and Reconciliation Study Tour to China for Canadian Teacher in 2004 was a resounding success.  Participants all vow to become the voice of the war-crime victims to further the cause of justice and reconciliation.  History comes alive in Canadian classrooms and precious lessons of peace are taught to the next generations.  www.alpha-canada.org/StudyTour

October 22, 2004

Organized a workshop and information table at the BC Social Studies Teachers’ Association PSA Day Conference to introduce the learning resource, “Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific (1931- 1945): Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship” and the first Peace & Reconciliation Study Tour to China for Canadian Teachers.

December 2004

Made a contribution to the Hanaoka Fund, which provides aids to Chinese victims who were forced into slave labor for the Kajima Corporation at the Hanaoka mine in  Akita during World War II, and declined the unjust terms of  “reconciliation” offered by Kajima in 2000. The fund was jointly set up by overseas Chinese groups world-wide.

(If you need further information about Canada ALPHA or like to be a volunteer, please contact us at 604-439-7738)