KOKORO KARA Summer 2014 HEART FOUNDATION

In This Issue:

n Advisor in Residence: Eva Kuwata

n Archivist Joins HMWF Staff

n An Artistic Legacy at Heart Mountain Celebrating the Generations at Heart Mountain: Board Chair Shirley Ann Higuchi

I hope you had a wonderful Asian Pa- children. What is more American than tain Draft Resisters Trial as part of the cific American Heritage Month in May! that? National Consortium Conference. This I want to thank all of our friends who When I was a child, though, schools did August, veterans, like Jack Kunitomi, will joined us at the Hogan Lovells offices in not teach the story of the forced relocation come to our August Pilgrimage, and we Washington, D.C., on May 12 for a screen- of . That is a problem. will honor them for their contribution to ing of David Ono and Jeff MacIntyre’s Because when this story is not told, we be- this country. Witness: The Legacy of Heart Mountain. come at risk of repeating the mistakes of Nisei, Sansei and Yonsei alike are all It was a huge success. Secretary Norman the past. When we do not remember what working together to make sure that the Mineta and I participated on a panel dis- happened to the Issei and Nisei, we lose a story of Heart Mountain is remembered. cussion with Vincent Eng, Partner and part of our history. When we do not use Every summer, we will celebrate genera- CEO of the VENG Group, and Mee Moua, our voices to tell this story when everyone tions—as three or sometimes four genera- President and Executive Director of Asian else seems to have forgotten it, we are at tions of one family join us in Wyoming for Americans Advancing Justice. The ques- danger of forgetting it ourselves. our Pilgrimages. tions the audience asked We all share this respon- This summer, as I do every summer, were incredibly thoughtful. sibility. I have met many I will remember my mother who had a One question we received children and grandchildren dream that something would be built at was: “My grandmother, who of Heart Mountain intern- Heart Mountain. By the time I knew how was incarcerated, recently ees who want to make sure much Heart Mountain meant to her, it passed away. How do we that their children know was too late for me to share that experi- keep the story alive?” their family history—and ence with her. She was gone—but I knew I I replied, “You should take pride in that history. I could honor her memory by making sure take responsibility and help have met many who bring that her dream came true. spread the word.” their parents and their chil- So, to the young Yonsei who asked me As the Chair of the Heart Shirley Ann Higuchi dren to our Pilgrimages year what she could do to help keep the story Mountain Wyoming Foun- after year. And I have met alive: Ask your grandparents or your par- dation (HMWF), I have been fortunate many who are dedicated to spreading the ents, if it’s not too late, to share their stories to meet young people who are passionate word—even if they did not have family at with you. Return to the place where your about telling the story of Heart Mountain. Heart Mountain themselves. grandparents lost their freedom. Speak up I have met wonderful volunteers who have This past May, I spoke with Steven Yoda, when you hear of wrongs being commit- come out to help at our events—some President of the Japanese American Bar ted against others, support those who have who don’t even have a family connection Association. His organization has agreed been wronged by their own country, and to Heart Mountain but feel it’s important, to sponsor the 26th Annual Conference tell the stories of the 120,000 people who others who want to preserve their fami- of the National Consortium on Racial and were incarcerated in this country so that lies’ legacy. I have spoken with filmmakers Ethnic Fairness in the Courts, which is be- it never happens again. Dream of building who have made documentaries about their ing hosted by the HMWF. The conference something because this country was built families’ experiences at Heart Mountain. I will take place this June, with events in on dreams. have worked with writers who have told Cody and at the Heart Mountain Interpre- their stories in our newsletter and in pub- tive Center. In addition, he is working to Shirley Ann Higuchi welcomes your com- lications across the country. I have shaken spread the word to his members about our ments and can be reached at shiguchi@ hands with artists who have taken Heart Annual Pilgrimage this August. Already, heartmountain.org. Mountain as their inspiration. we have heard from Heart Mountain de- These people are passionate about tell- scendants who want to know more. ing the story of Heart Mountain because it I have met many former internees who ON THE COVER is their story. It is our story. It is an Ameri- want to make sure the Heart Mountain This edition’s cover image was done can story. story is preserved as well—on our board, by Jamie Fujimoto, a descendant It is the story of the courage of people in our advisory council, at our events. It of Heart Mountain internees from who faced racism and stayed true to the has been an honor to hear your stories. . The story on page 8 covers ideals of their country. It is the story of the This June, Tak Hoshizaki and Yosh Ku- her grandfather’s experience at Heart determination of people who overcame romiya will tell their stories to a new audi- Mountain and the inspiration for the prejudice and built better lives for their ence in a reenactment of the Heart Moun- image she created.

2 Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation | Summer 2014 Children of Heart Mountain: Executive Director Brian Liesinger

I look forward to spring with great It is a link that must be passed down, to view their compliance and their ability anticipation every year, as the long winters as HMWF Board Chair Shirley Ann to mask discontent for being torn from take their toll. But this spring has brought Higuchi emphasizes in her column. And their lives as a desire to see their children joy unlike any other for me. Along with the Heart Mountain World War II Japanese affected as little as possible from the bitter- bright sunshine, budding trees and bloom- American Confinement Site has evolved to ness and anguish that very well could have ing flowers, I welcomed my first child on allow for so many ways to participate and been the hallmark sentiments of camp life. May 13. Her name is Vivian Kay and has contribute to the Heart Mountain story. It is from these parents I have derived succeeded at doing what most parents As a new parent, I also have a renewed daily inspiration at Heart Mountain. And warned me she would do: changed my per- appreciation for the internee parents who this inspiration becomes even more pro- spective on nearly everything. bore the weight of incarceration with found now that I have embraced father- Vivian will no doubt be grace and fortitude so that hood. While I fret about vaccinations and a child of Heart Mountain, their children would not be child care and swaddling and sleep pat- but, thankfully, a differ- crushed by it. With “shikata terns, it is important to recognize my con- ent kind than those babies ga nai” as their mantra, they cerns as minor by comparison to the chal- born behind barbed wire labored to provide for their lenges internee parents overcame. here during World War II. children with great odds Vivian is years away from understand- I can’t help but think of the stacked against them. But ing what happened at Heart Mountain, more than 500 born at Heart behind their veneer of stoic but that won’t prevent me from ensuring Mountain from 1942–45 compliance must have been she makes regular visits to the Interpretive (a few of whom I was able to tremendous despair felt Center. From the lessons contained there, meet at our Pilgrimage last Brian Liesinger from the needless hardships I will be able to ensure that she under- year). Unbeknown to them they had been put through. stands—and that I am reminded of—the at the time, they became forever linked to Yet, many former internees, like Eva privileges we enjoy due to the many sacri- Heart Mountain. Kuwata, who is featured in this issue, fices made by those who came before us. It also reminds me of a gentleman who recall their childhood memories in camp called one weekday this spring, not to as primarily joyful ones. I marvel at this HEART MOUNTAIN ask a question about the site or about the sentiment, which I’ve heard time and time Interpretive Center. But to ask about what again from former internees. Somehow WYOMING FOUNDATION he should put on his passport application their parents were able to—both collective- Honorary Advisors on the line asking for “place of birth.” ly and within each family unit—establish Norman Y. Mineta He said he was born at Heart Moun- and maintain a sense of normalcy amid the Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation tain Hospital but wasn’t sure what to put hardships. Alan K. Simpson because Heart Mountain doesn’t exist as It also brings to mind an anecdote shared U.S. Senator (ret.) a city. The best advice I could provide was with me by Joe Kuwabara, who visited the simply: “If Heart Mountain is on your birth Interpretive Center last year. When I asked Board of Directors certificate, you should probably write that.” about his memories of camp, he responded Shirley Ann Higuchi, Chair And I was left pondering how important with a chuckle about fetching coal from the Douglas W. Nelson, Vice-Chair our places of birth are—how our identities coal piles in front of the barracks to fuel the Claudia Wade, Treasurer are shaped by the places we are born. cast iron stoves. He has a birthmark on his Kris Horiuchi Aura Newlin When “Heart Mountain babies” re- stomach, and his mother joked with him Takashi Hoshizaki R. Dana Ono turned to the site prior to 2011, there were that it had come as a result of carrying so Alan Kumamoto Pete Simpson only a few worn out structures to mark their much coal up against his body. They were Sam Mihara Shigeru Yabu birthplace. As the youngest of the incarcer- able to share a laugh about one of the most Eric Muller Kathleen Saito Yuille ees, conjuring up memories of confine- brutal facts of Heart Mountain life: trying Allyson Nakamoto LaDonna Zall ment must have been nearly impossible. to stay warm through the long winters. Now when they return, the Heart Moun- A common historical narrative of the Staff tain Interpretive Center can shed light on Japanese American attitude during forced Brian Liesinger, Executive Director the “city” of their birth. They are able to relocation and confinement during World Bethany H. Sandvik, Operations Manager share with their children, grandchildren War II is one of willing compliance—due Kim Barhaug, Facilities Manager and perhaps even great-grandchildren in part to their loyalty as Americans as well Nicole Blechynden, Archivist stories of life at Heart Mountain through as in observance of the long-held Japanese Hana Maruyama, Communications Assistant the exhibits. trait of obedience to authority. I have come

www.HeartMountain.org 3 2014 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage To Honor Veterans In late 1944, incarcerees at Heart Moun- It was an honor to know this extraordinary for our country at a time when their fami- tain sought to recognize the soldiers who American, and it meant so much to all of lies were being held in camp was. That was were away fighting in the U.S. Army. These us at Heart Mountain that he was here for an amazing thing those men did.” soldiers fought, often while their fami- our Grand Opening.” This winter, the Foundation began a lies were still incarcerated by the country Irene Hirano, Sen. Inouye’s widow, as campaign to identify and invite living Heart they were fighting for. More than 800 in- well as Sen. Al Simpson (ret.) and Secre- Mountain veterans to attend the Pilgrim- carcerees from Heart Mountain served tary Norman Mineta (ret.), will join the age in an effort to honor them and those their country. Back at Heart Mountain, Foundation as it remembers Sen. Inouye who are no longer with us. Fund-raising their families and friends built an Honor and all veterans. is underway to provide travel stipends to Roll monument, which listed the names of The filmA Flicker in Eternity will be bring veterans to the event wherever pos- those who were fighting. That Honor Roll screened, and one of its creators, Sharon sible. is one of the few original structures that re- Yamato, will give remarks. This film tells Heart Mountain veterans who wish to main at the Heart Mountain World War II the story of Stanley Hayami, who was in- attend the event will receive stipends to Japanese American Confinement Site. carcerated at Heart Mountain as a teenager help defray travel and lodging expenses. On August 22–23, 2014, the Heart and fought with the 442nd Regimental The Foundation asks any Heart Mountain Mountain Wyoming Foundation Annual Combat Team. He kept a journal with illus- veterans or anyone who knows of Heart Pilgrimage will once more recognize these trations of his life both at Heart Mountain Mountain veterans to contact the Interpre- veterans who were incarcerated at Heart and while serving in Europe. Hayami was tive Center at [email protected] or Mountain during World War II. The theme killed in combat in Italy, while attempting by phone at (307)-754-8000. In addition, of the Pilgrimage is “Honoring Selfless Ser- to help a fellow soldier. He was 19 years old. the HMWF is seeking individuals and or- vice.” He was posthumously awarded the Bronze ganizations to help sponsor these veterans. “As our most important event, the An- Star and Purple Heart. Interested sponsors can also contact the nual Pilgrimage serves our mission by edu- Sharon Yamato, Ann Kaneko and HMWF via the information above. cating the public about the history of Japa- Joanne Oppenheim created the documen- “We are pleased to recognize these vet- nese American confinement and engaging tary based on entries from Hayami’s jour- erans for their service,” said Chair Shirley visitors in a discussion about racial preju- nal. Hayami’s vivid illustrations of life at Ann Higuchi. “They have done so much dice and civil rights, as well as hopefully Heart Mountain gave his life a visual qual- for our country and for the Heart Moun- providing an opportunity for healing for ity that translated well into film. The expe- tain community. They fought so that their former incarcerees and their families,” said rience was transformative for Yamato. She families would be recognized as Ameri- Brian Liesinger, Executive Director of the knew very little about the veterans before cans—and they proved their loyalty time Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation. the project. While working on this film, and again. We can never do justice to their At the Pilgrimage, the Foundation will Yamato said, “It became so much clearer to legacy, but I hope we can make sure that unveil the newly restored Heart Mountain me how complicated that decision to fight their service is never forgotten.” Honor Roll. In recent years, the Founda- tion has taken measures to preserve the Honor Roll for future generations. Board 2014 Pilgrimage Sponsors Member Kris Horiuchi and principal of Horiuchi Solien Landscape Architects has Blair Hotels been guiding the restoration plan for the Cody Elks Lodge #1611 Honor Roll’s stone wall and steps. In Au- Ann Flack, Peaks to Prairie Realty gust, this Honor Roll will be dedicated to the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Sen. Keele Sanitation Inouye was not only a highly decorated The Lamplighter Inn veteran of World War II. He would later Marathon Oil become one of the most highly-respected and longest-serving members of the U.S. Party Time Plus Senate, rising to the rank of President pro Pinnacle Bank tempore. Tim Wade’s North Fork Anglers “As a young lawyer working in Wash- ington, D.C., I was inspired by Senator Whittle, Hamilton & Associates, P.C. Inouye,” said HMWF Board Chair Shirley Wyoming Financial Insurance Ann Higuchi. “And I know I am not alone in that feeling. He served his country val- If you or your organization would like to join the above businesses with a sponsorship, contact Operations Manager Bethany Sandvik at [email protected] or call 307-754-8000. iantly, both in the army and in Congress.

4 Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation | Summer 2014 Interpretive Center Welcomes First Archivist The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foun- dation is advancing its archival collection and research center with the recent hiring of Archivist Nicole Blechynden. As the site of one of only ten original World War II “Relocation Centers” built shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Heart Mountain provides a tremen- dous opportunity for historic interpreta- tion through its collections. Blechynden’s work there will help bring to the collections greater historic detail, as well as improved access to these details for the public. Blechynden brings a strong background as a preservationist, archivist and librarian. Most recently, she served as Preservation Assessment and Processing Coordinator for Department of Archives and Special Collections at the University of Colorado in Boulder. The collection housed at the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center in- Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation Archivist Nicole Blechynden (left) digs into the collection under the cludes a variety of archival content, histor- guidance of volunteer curator and HMWF Board Member LaDonna Zall. Blechynden joined the Heart Mountain ical artifacts and library materials, which Interpretive Center staff in March 2014. presents a unique opportunity for her to apply her different skill sets. lection to the next level.” have the added benefit of working along- “What we have here is not just evidence Blechynden was in part attracted to the side the namesake of the Research Center, and artifacts of a certain place, time and se- position because her grandparents were LaDonna Zall, who continues to enrich the ries of events. We have a living history,” she World War II civilian POWs. Following collection and my understanding of it. I am said. “Former incarcerees are still actively virtually the same timeline as Japanese as much a student as I am a steward.” telling their stories, and they play an im- Americans incarcerated in the U.S., they Zall has devoted 15 years to the HMWF portant role in giving context to the items were residents of Manila and were impris- as acting curator and as a board member. in our collections… Along with many local oned by Japanese troops in the Philippines The collections management has fallen residents who have been involved with this shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. under her care during this time, and she history, they also help grow the collection Growing up, when the term “internment is now thrilled with the addition of a full- with their donations.” camp” was mentioned, her association was time staff person devoted to collections The HMWF was able to hire Blechynden always the experience of her grandparents care. “Nicole seems to be a perfect fit to with help from the federal Japanese Ameri- in the Philippines. It was not until she was advance opportunities for educating people can Confinement Sites (JACS) grant pro- in college that she was introduced to the about what happened here and preventing gram. During her two-year appointment, injustices suffered by Americans of Japa- it from ever happening again,” Zall said. her goal is to bring a new level of currency nese descent during World War II. in managing the collections through the Blechynden hopes that her own family’s application of professional standards and experience will provide her with helpful technology. As her work progresses, the HMWF Collections Update insight as she strives to preserve and en- HMWF will be able to reach out to new au- hance access to the history of the Japanese Currently we are conducting a com- diences, in addition to serving its current American incarceration experience, espe- prehensive inventory and updating members, scholars and the surrounding cially as the descendants of the incarcerees records in our collections management communities. seek to learn about and understand their system. This effort will be followed by “Thanks to the generosity of donors, own family histories. the processing of archival materials, as well as the award of the JACS grant, “It is truly an honor to be entrusted with including the Frank Emi papers. The we have the opportunity to advance our the care of these materials, and I take very Archives continues to accept incoming incredibly unique collection through Ni- seriously the responsibility of sustaining donations and anticipates formally cole’s work,” said HMWF Executive Direc- this collection and ensuring its availabil- opening the archives to researchers in tor Brian Liesinger. “With her knowledge ity for research,” she said. “I am grateful to early 2015. and experience, she will help take our col-

www.HeartMountain.org 5 Witness Film Screening Highlights L.A. Events When Patti Hirahara told ABC7 Reporter David Ono that she had a story for him, Ono did not want to work on another “Asian story.” He and producer Jeff MacIntyre had just finished a piece about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. As an anchorman in a city as diverse as , Ono felt an obligation to show the rest of the community that he cared about their stories as well. But when Patti Hirahara called, he heard a Heart Mountain story that he could not resist. Thus began what would becomeWitness: The Legacy of Heart Mountain, a moving film about triumph and tragedy behind barbed wire at Heart Mountain. He teamed up once more with MacIntyre, who was a self-proclaimed “Japanese American in- ternment dummy” at the time, and they traveled around Califor- nia and to Cody, WY, to research this piece. On February 22, 2014, their hard work was on display at the Tateuchi Democracy Forum at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM). The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation held a Town Hall Meeting and a film premiere there in an effort to reach out to its Los Angeles constituents. The events were packed, with more than 200 people attending one or both of the events. Many former internees and their families were in attendance. While the events were enjoyable, the HMWF leadership had Jeff MacIntyre and David Ono lead a panel discussion at the Japanese American also traveled to Los Angeles for meetings as well. With JANM National Museum’s Tateuchi Democracy Forum in February. The panel consisted as their hosts, the board and members and the advisory council of (from left to right) HMWF Board Chair Shirley Ann Higuchi, Darrell Kunitomi, gathered for two days of meetings. Over the course of the week- Toshi Ito, Patti Hirahara and JANM President and CEO Dr. G. W. Kimura. end, members of the board also met with leaders in the Japanese American community in Los Angeles to trade insight and dis- The HMWF Board addressed questions from the audience and cuss the future. Some of the people they met with were Dr. G. then many headed over to the film screening in the Tateuchi De- W. Kimura, JANM President and CEO; Christine Sato-Yamazaki, mocracy Forum. Ono and MacIntyre spoke to the audience about Chair of the National Veterans Network; and Go For Broke Chair the experience of creating the film, which had many members of Bill Seki and Executive Director Don Nose. the audience in tears by the time the credits rolled. “We were thrilled to see so many friends and to make new ones The film screening was followed by a panel discussion that fea- while we were in Los Angeles,” said Chair Shirley Ann Higuchi. tured Higuchi, Kimura and Hirahara, as well as Darrell Kunitomi, “Thanks to JANM and to all who came out to show their support.” son of Heart Mountain internees, and Toshi Ito, a former Heart At the Town Hall Meeting, Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Ca- Mountain internee and HMWF Advisory Council Member. Ono lif.) gave remarks and presented the Foundation with a certifi- and MacIntyre moderated the discussion. cate in honor of its upcoming 2014 Pilgrimage. She commended Hirahara told the story that started this project: how her fa- the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center for educating the pub- ther and grandfather dug a darkroom underneath their barrack lic about the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during at Heart Mountain in which they would develop more than 2,000 World War II. “Let’s continue to fight and advocate for the stories photographs. Since photography was originally not permitted in of the API community,” she said. the camps, their collection is the largest created by internees at The Foundation recognized Advisory Council Member Nancy Heart Mountain. Hirahara has dedicated years to researching, Araki for her dedication as well. Araki recently retired from her cataloguing and spreading the word about their photographs. position as the Director of Community Affairs at JANM. She was “We’re trying to get this story across the country,” she said. “It’s presented with an original brick from the Heart Mountain World a great story and I’m glad that Jeff and David with their beautiful War II Japanese American Confinement Site. camera work, editing and writing will forever be my friends.” “Few people have done as much as Nancy Araki to support Many expressed gratitude to Ono and MacIntyre for sharing the thoughtful preservation, research and education around the this story—for choosing to tell one more “Asian story” to the World War II experience of Japanese Americans,” said HMWF world. Screenings of the extended version of Witness later showed Vice-Chair Doug Nelson. “The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foun- in Portland, OR, and in Washington, D.C. The story was also aired dation Board is especially indebted and grateful to Nancy for the in Los Angeles on May 10 and San Francisco May 31. steadfast friendship, personal support and wise counsel that she “We know this story is an important Japanese American story,” has brought to our work at Heart Mountain over these last fifteen said Kimura. “Even more important, we need this story to be un- y e ar s .” derstood as an important American story.”

6 Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation | Summer 2014 HMWF Marks Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with Events in Washington, D.C. On May 12, the Heart Mountain Wyo- Japanese American community were pres- and Higuchi gave brief remarks. ming Foundation participated in a screen- ent, including Gerald Yamada, president “These APA Heritage Month events ing of David Ono and Jeff MacIntyre’s film of the Japanese American Veterans Asso- helped us get the word out to connect Witness: The Legacy of Heart Mountain ciation, and Priscilla Ouchida, president of with the larger APA community and find hosted by the Hogan Lovells law firm in the Japanese American Citizens League. points of commonality in our stories,” Hi- Washington, D.C. A shorter version of the Later in May, Hogan Lovells hosted guchi said. “It was a pleasure to participate film recently won an Edward R. Murrow two other screenings of the film in its of- in these events and we hope to continue Award. Since the screening, the HMWF fices in New York and Denver, as well as a to work with the organizations and indi- has had several inquiries about future recording of the discussion from May 12. viduals in attendance to educate the public screenings of the film in venues around the On May 21, the American Psychological about what occurred at Heart Mountain country. Association hosted a second viewing of the and to all 120,000 individuals who were Demetria Johnson, Director of Diversi- filmWitness: The Legacy of Heart Mountain imprisoned.” ty and Inclusion at Hogan Lovells, said, “It was very enlightening to see the documen- tary and then hear first-hand that although there were many obstacles and tragedies that the internees faced, their legacy be- came a source of inspiration to so many.” A panel discussion followed the film screening, and included HMWF Chair Shirley Ann Higuchi, Retired Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, Partner and CEO of the VENG Group Vincent Eng, and Advancing Justice Executive Director Mee Moua. The audience asked pertinent ques- tions about immigration reform and the relevance of the story of Heart Mountain to a modern audience. Other topics included the issues caused by the perpetuation of the “model minority” myth and the challeng- es of including stories of disenfranchised PHOTO BY KAVEH SARDARI, COURTESY OF HOGAN LOVELLS Americans in classrooms in this country. Former U.S. Secretary Norman Mineta (center) speaks with attendees at an Asian Pacific American Heritage Warren Maruyama, a partner from event in May, held at the offices of Hogan Lovells law firm in Washington, D.C. Hogan Lovells, is the son and grandson of Heart Mountain incarcerees and helped to organize the event. He said, “It was good Recent Heart Mountain Events to see a such a large audience, and particu- Now–August 31: Colors of Confinement: Rare Kodachrome Photographs of Japanese larly since it included a broad cross-section American Incarceration in World War II exhibit at the Japanese of the Asian-American community and American National Museum in Los Angeles, CA the Washington, D.C. legal community. The audience was moved by the film and June 2–6: Advisor in Residence Eva Kuwata at the Heart Mountain fully engaged during the panel discussion. Interpretive Center It was clear the Heart Mountain story reso- nated and that they understood its contin- June 25–28: National Consortium on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts ued relevance.” Annual Meeting, hosted by the HMWF in Cody, WY The event was cosponsored by the D.C. August 22–23: Heart Mountain Annual Pilgrimage, honoring selfless service to chapter of the Asian Pacific American Bar our country in Cody, WY, and at the Interpretive Center Association, the Korean American Bar Association and the South Asian Bar Connect with us through any or all of these events and be sure to stay connected via social Association. Many people from the local media as well: twitter.com/HeartMountainWY and facebook.com/heartmountainwy

www.HeartMountain.org 7 A Heart Mountain Family’s Artistic Legacy

Sam Fujimoto was a teenager in Califor- nia when his family was sent to the “Heart Mountain Relocation Center.” “It was very, very desolate,” he recalls. Sam’s most vivid memory of Heart Mountain is the time he and his friends tried to go fishing in the Shoshone River. They snuck off, crawling on the ground so that they wouldn’t get caught. It didn’t go very well. “We ran into a rifle and a soldier and he chased us back,” Sam says, with a laugh. Sam left Heart Mountain in the summer of 1944. He and his family were not per- mitted to return to the West Coast at the time so he went to Chicago instead. He was a senior in high school and had aspirations of becoming an artist. When he graduated, he began to attend classes at the Chicago Art Institute. There, he painted two works of his life at Heart Mountain—scenes of the mountain and of skaters on the ice rink. “I went to see a professional evaluator PHOTO BY J.K. YAMAMOTO/RAFU SHIMPO The Fujimoto family shares their artwork with Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation leadership during events in New York City,” Sam says. “He threw a in Los Angeles in February 2014. Pictured from left to right are Steve Fujimoto, Sam Fujimoto, HMWF Chair bunch of cold water on it. I think he wanted Shirley Ann Higuchi, Jamie Fujimoto, HMWF Vice-Chair Doug Nelson and Nikki Fujimoto. to see cartoon strips.” With his dreams of becoming an artist “The one thing I remember him empha- the Interpretive Center can be seen in the dashed, Sam returned to Chicago. Eventu- sizing the most was that to this day, he will reflection. ally, he moved back to California, and his never eat pork sausage because that’s what She may have inherited her passion paintings of Heart Mountain went in the they got for almost every meal while they for art from her grandfather, but they shed in the back of the house. were in camp,” she says. each have their own aesthetic. “Typical of For a long time, Sam didn’t speak about A couple of years before the Heart her—she would not paint a realistic view the experience to his sons or to his grand- Mountain Interpretive Center Grand of Heart Mountain,” her grandfather jokes. daughter, Jamie. He didn’t tell them the Opening, Jamie and her family returned Jamie has agreed to let the Interpretive story of trying to sneak out of Heart Moun- to Heart Mountain. “It was a little surreal Center sell a print of her Heart Mountain tain to go fishing. He didn’t tell them how to actually be in that spot after hearing image in the store. Visitors will be able to gangs formed on his block and fought with my grandpa’s stories of it,” she says. Two purchase the card, which is featured on each other and picked on him because he years later, they returned once more for the the cover of this newsletter, beginning this was small for his age. Grand Opening. summer. Jamie first learned about the forced For her grandfather, returning to Heart “I’m excited to share my work with relocation of Japanese Americans in high Mountain was a heartwarming experience. people that also have an interest in Heart school and began asking her grandfather Sam was heartened by the warm welcome Mountain and the history there,” Jamie about what happened to him while living from members of the Powell and Cody says. “Also, I’m excited to get my name out behind barbed wire at Heart Mountain. community at the Grand Opening and t h e re .” Sam told her how he was forced to move recalls being moved by Senator Daniel K. This piece was pivotal for her. Since out of his house, how they could only take Inouye’s speech. then, Jamie’s work has become more ab- what they could carry on their backs, how These experiences inspired Jamie to stract but it is inspired by mountain ranges they had no idea where they were going. use Heart Mountain as her subject in a and photos that she took on her family’s He told her how each family was assigned print making class in college. The print trip to Heart Mountain. She graduated a room in which to live. He showed her the she created depicts the confinement site from college this spring, and she hopes to paintings he had made. as it was in 1942, with a puddle in which pursue a career in graphic design.

8 Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation | Summer 2014 Advisor in Residence: Eva Kuwata Enriches Interpretive Center Visits

Returning to Heart Mountain for the Angeles right before the ping in Powell. Eva went to first time since her confinement, Eva US entered World War II. buy butter for her mother, Kuwata visited the Interpretive Center in They lived in the hotel and thinking it would make June to share her memories from living at catered to Japanese board- a nice gift. She did not the “Heart Mountain Relocation Center” ers traveling between know it was rationed and during World War II. San Francisco and Los that ration stamps were Kuwata came as a part of the 2014 Angeles. required to purchase it. Advisor in Residence Program from June Kuwata was in the However, a “very nice gen- 2–5, enriching the experiences of visitors second grade when she tleman” who was standing to the Heart Mountain World War II Japa- arrived at Heart Mountain, behind her in the market nese American Confinement Site. after spending time in the line, kindly gave her his “The Advisor in Residence Program is Santa Anita Assembly stamp. That simple gesture an opportunity for visitors to engage with Center, a racetrack located left a tremendous impres- former incarcerees and hear about the in Arcadia, CA. Eva Kuwata sion on Eva. experience of confinement through the “I don’t have many Today, Eva is 79 and words of those who lived it,” said Brian memories of Santa Anita,” notes Eva. a grandmother of two. She still takes Liesinger, Heart Mountain Wyoming “I remember we had to fill our ‘mattresses’ Japanese folk dancing classes once a Foundation Executive Director. “We focus with straw to sleep on when we arrived week. She is a cancer survivor who on first-person accounts in our exhibits, so there and that we ate in a green mess hall. retired in 2010 after working as an Ms. Kuwata’s presence added significant I also remember being in the stands during Administrative Assistant and a Devel- depth for visitors to the site.” the day, which comprised our schooling.” opment Officer. She volunteers for the Kuwata’s visit included two public pre- Despite the injustice of confinement, Belmont High School Alumni Associa- sentations that were free and open to the Kuwata’s Heart Mountain experiences were tion and at the Gardena Japanese Pioneer public at the Heart Mountain Interpretive mostly pleasant ones. She was a Brownie Project. She participates in many Japanese Center. She also spent time in the galleries Scout who had many friends, several of Folk Dancing festivals during the year and interacting with visitors on a more per- who she still keeps in touch with today. “I dances and teaches public lessons. sonal level. feel that since I was so young during the Kuwata was born in El Centro, CA, time I spent in camp, that I did not have the For more information on the Advisor in on May 29, 1934 and was the only child anguish or hatred that others might have Residence Program and how to participate, of Toshichi and Chiyo Nakamura. Her felt or endured,” said Eva. “My memories please contact Operations Manager Bethany parents, who owned a hotel in Obispo, CA, are nothing but good memories.” Sandvik at [email protected]. had just leased a new hotel property in Los One such memory is of grocery shop- Thank you donors: 2013 Memorial Gifts In the most recent winter Kokoro Kara newsletter, we thanked donors for their support of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation. In doing so, we would also like to thank those gifts that arrived in honor of specific people and events. $10,000+ In Memory of Bill Manbo $2,500–9,999 In memory of Toshie Mildred Mikami $1,000–$2,499 $50–99 In memory of James O. Ito In honor of Kathleen Saito Yuille’s 70th birthday In memory of Aurora Goyena $100–249 In memory of Nob Shimokochi In honor of Calvin & Marie Tajima’s 65th wedding anniversary In honor of Dorothy Honda Tsuboi $20–49 In honor of Mrs. Shigemi Hasegawa’s 100th birthday In honor of David Yamamoto In memory of Betty Taira In memory of Yukio & Alice Kudow

www.HeartMountain.org 9 Scouting at Heart Mountain By Ike Hatchimonji America rules prohibited aliens from be- outstanding young people. coming scout masters. Nevertheless, the True to their oath of being helpful, the Seen every morning and evening in adult Nisei became the scout masters while scouts served the community well. Exam- front of the Heart Mountain Administra- the Issei occupied other leadership posi- ples were their participation in Clean Up tion Building, the American flag was cer- tions in the program. Week; Fire Prevention Week; paper collec- emonially raised by a group of uniformed Thus, with the able leadership of key tion drives; U.S. Stamp and Bond Drives; Boy Scouts. The familiar “to the colors” community leaders and the approval and and the March of Dimes. They joined the would be sounded by the bugler in the support of the parents and camp adminis- popular drum and bugle corps and ap- morning for the raising followed by the trators, the troops were formed, not only peared in many parades, concerts and spe- playing of “retreat” as the flag is lowered in Boy Scouts but Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts cial events such as the send-offs for Nisei the evening. The flag ceremony became a and Brownies. It also gave mothers the op- men headed to war. The music of the drum daily activity for the Boy Scouts of Heart portunity to become den mothers of the and bugle corps lifted the spirits of the in- Mountain throughout the year. The scouts several Cub Scout packs while other adults ternees and was greatly appreciated by all dutifully fulfilled their commitment but or parents became helpers for their troops. who took pride in the Boy and Girl Scouts. one story about the flag ceremonies is still Approximately 370 young boys joined the Even distinguished visitors to Heart Moun- remembered. program during the camp years. tain such as the National Director of the During the freezing winter mornings, An interesting contrast to the forma- Boy Scouts and the National Director of the buglers faced a recurring challenge to tion of the scout troops was the formation the War Relocation Authority praised the play the flag raising call. To effectively play of young gangs, a development brought on achievements of the program. a bugle, a small amount of saliva applied by the living conditions of the camp. Not Visits by scout troops from the nearby to the mouthpiece is necessary to form unexpectedly, young boys turned easily to towns of Cody and Powell helped bet- the notes. However, due to the cold, the gang activity. Gangs had an appeal as they ter the relations of the internees with the mouthpiece of the bugle would freeze on do for many youth as they mature. But, outside communities. When the camp was the lips, making it difficult to form the right thanks to the leadership that believed in established, there were doubts about the notes. It’s an amusing story now but tells of scouting as a positive alternative to gangs, communities’ attitude toward the Japanese one of the enduring scouting activities. the development of the troops was encour- in their area. To help dispel those doubts, Honoring the flag was an example of the aged and succeeded as one of the best pro- outside troops were invited to the camp to dedication of the scouts as good Americans grams in the camp. join in jamborees, competitive sports and that made scouting one of the most highly Scouting’s achievements among the typical scout activities. Reaching out to the commended programs at Heart Mountain young were many. Observing the Scout outside community through scouting bet- and, under the circumstances of the intern- Oath and the motto of “do a good turn tered the relationship for all involved. ment, is recognized as a true expression of daily,” the objectives of the organization Within the troops, the earning of merit loyalty to their country. Like their older to build good character helped to develop badges was one of their busiest activities. brothers in military uniforms, despite their incarceration, the young Americans were proud to be part of a truly American tradi- tion. The initiative to organize a scouting pro- gram at the camps began early in Septem- ber 1942 by a group of mostly first genera- tion Issei as well as young adult Nisei who envisioned the benefits of scouting among the many youth coming together as a com- munity in the internment camp. As the scouting program developed, seven troops were formed, some having previously been formed in pre-war communities. In their enthusiasm to promote scout- ing, one of the challenges the Issei lead- ers faced was the prohibition of the Issei to hold the position of scout master of a troop, the top leadership position in the YONE KUBO COLLECTION organization. The National Boy Scouts of Boy scouts march at the “Heart Mountain Relocation Center” with the drum and bugle corps leading the way.

10 Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation | Summer 2014 Arranged through the Heart Mountain camp director and the scouting leadership, a large camp site was obtained in the park. One of the achievements of the Boy Scouts was the construction of a foot bridge over the Nez Perce Creek there. It was a wonderful experience for the campers to be away from the life in the internment camp in a beautiful place. In all, an estimated 500 Boy and Girl Scouts, Cubs, Brownies and Camp Fire Girls enjoyed Yellowstone National Park, far from the drab surroundings of the Heart Mountain Camp. Of the many stories and experiences of the internment years in the numerous camps that detained the Japanese commu- nities during World War II, there are many that told of the successful experiences of the internees. The success of the scout- PHOTO BY KEVIN MIYAZAKI ing program remains a tribute to the early Bill Shishima (left) and Donald Yamamoto (right) prepare to raise the flag for the opening ceremony at the organizers and their vision of a build- Heart Mountain Interpretive Center Grand Opening in 2011, while a Cody boy scout looks on. Shishima and Yamamoto were members Boy Scout Troop 333 while incarcerated at the “Heart Mountain Relocation Center.” ing a better community in the midst of confinement at Heart Mountain. Many scouts joined as Tenderfoots and Camping and hiking were enjoyed by rose through the ranks acquiring merit all, especially the hikes to the top of Heart Ike Hatchimonji was a member of Troop badges while others reached the coveted Mountain or camping along the Shoshone 379 at Heart Mountain and participated in rank of Eagle Scout. The camp-wide Courts River. But, the highlight activity for all the drum and bugle corps. Today, he shares of Honor were held each quarter to award scouts, including Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts his experiences while serving as a volunteer individuals and their troops with merit and the Camp Fire Girls was the camp- docent for the Japanese American National badges and other forms of recognition. ing trip to Yellowstone National Park. Museum in Los Angeles. Girl Scout Exhibit to be Featured at Interpretive Center The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center Mountain. will display a traveling photo exhibit from Scouting programs for both the University of Wyoming's American boys and girls were prominent Heritage Center titled “Japanese-American throughout the Girl Scouts at Heart Mountain Relocation during World War II. It was a Center, 1942-1945.” The exhibit, which has time of heightened patriotism, been touring Wyoming, will be at Heart and scouting programs fit the Mountain from July 3 through August 31, image of patriotism for people 2014, and will include artifacts from the who were eager to be seen as Heart Mountain collections. loyal Americans. This proved With the bombing of Pearl Harbor in true for internees and at Heart 1941, and the subsequent confinement Mountain, even provided a of 120,000 Japanese Americans from the point of connection with scouts West Coast, Wyoming found itself home outside of the camp. to the “Heart Mountain Relocation Cen- The American Heritage Cen- ter” between Powell and Cody, WY, which ter (AHC) is the University of PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER housed more than 14,000 Japanese Ameri- Wyoming’s repository of manu- cans from August 1942 to November 1945. scripts, collections, rare books and the uni- including lectures, symposia and exhibits. As the incarcerees strove to endure these versity archives. Internationally known for The ACH gratefully acknowledges the gen- years behind barbed wire, several sporting its historical collections, the AHC first and erous support of Capital West Bank for its events, clubs and activities became an im- foremost serves the students and citizens exhibits program, and is happy to share the portant part of daily life. One of the most of Wyoming. The AHC sponsors a wide exhibit at the Heart Mountain Interpretive popular activities was scouting at Heart range of scholarly and popular programs Center.

www.HeartMountain.org 11 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation PAID 1539 Road 19 BILLINGS, MT Powell, Wyoming 82435 PERMIT NO. 1 www.HeartMountain.org

Bowls pay homage to Heart Mountain ceramics studio

The ceramic rice bowls pictured here were created by local artist Herli Wight of Cody and have recently been added to the Interpretive Center gift shop. Herli takes her inspiration from traditional rice bowl shapes and celadon glazes that have been popularized by their heavy use in Japan and other Southeast Asian countries. She adds a unique touch to each piece creating small holes for chopsticks. These pieces also pay homage to ceramics pieces created in the “Heart Mountain Relocation Center” during the Japanese American confinement. There was a small ceramic studio in operation at Heart Mountain. The War Relocation Authority made plans to expand the studio to a full production facility to supply the WRA and the armed forces with tableware. The plan was abandoned in March 1943 after months of planning, due to a “change in WRA policy.” Ceramics training continued in the studio, however, until the camp closed, and many beautiful pieces were created. The bowls are now available in the Interpretive Center gift shop and on- line at shopheartmountain.org. PHOTOS BY SHARYL MCDOWELL