The Nikkei Memory Capture Project is an award winning co-creative community-based oral history project exploring the cultural and social history of Canadian Nikkei (people of Japanese descent) from 1950 to the present. Focussing on southern Alberta, this project gives voice to and records memories of everyday life, while bringing together and making widely accessible histories of southern Alberta Nikkei.
Award Announcements:
2025 National Council of Public History – Outstanding Public History Award – Small Institution
Co-Creating Southern Alberta Japanese Canadian Histories: The Bunka Centre and Nikkei Memory Capture Project Heritage Collaboration. These awards are presented for work that contributes to broader public reflection and appreciation of the past or that serve as a model of professional public history practice.
2023 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Community Programming – Shortlist
The Japanese Canadian Histories in Southern Alberta: Time Map, Audio Journey, Memory Booth. Sponsored by the National History Society, the Governor’s General award recognizes community organizations from across Canada for their exceptional work in the field of Canadian community programming.
Research Team
Dr. Darren Aoki
Project lead
- Associate Professor of World History and Oral History, University of Plymouth, UK
- Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Lethbridge
Dr. Carly Adams
Project lead
- Professor, University of Lethbridge, Canada
- Director, Centre for Oral History and Tradition
- Board of Governor’s Research Chair, Tier I (2022-2027)
Elaine Toth
Digital Storytelling Facilitator & Research Assistant
- PhD Student, Cultural, Social, Political Thought
- University of Lethbridge, Canada
Darcy Tamayose
Communications Specialist & Research Assistant
- PhD Student, Cultural, Social, Political Thought
- University of Lethbridge, Canada
Sydney Rolfe
Research Assistant
- Undergraduate Student, History
- University of Lethbridge, Canada
Derrick Yokoyama
Research Assistant
- Undergraduate Student, History
- University of Lethbridge, Canada
Daly Unger
Research Assistant
- Undergraduate Student, History
- University of Lethbridge, Canada