Deadline: July 31, 2021
Nominations are open for the Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi Human Rights Award 2021. The award may be presented every two years at the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) AGM, in recognition of an individual or organization in Canada contributing to the development or promotion of human rights and equality in Canada.
About Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi
Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi was born in 1918 in Auburn, Washington. He was known for his courage and leadership in Canada and the U.S. in upholding human rights principles. In May 1942, Gordon Hirabayashi, a college student, a Quaker and pacifist deliberately violated the curfew imposed upon Japanese Americans and officially challenged the government order on the grounds that it violated his constitutional rights. He lost his appeal to the Supreme Court, serving 90 days in prison. In 1987 the courts reversed his conviction on the grounds that the curfew, internment and uprooting policies were based on political expediency, and not on any risk to national security.
After the war, he completed his education, receiving B.A., M.A. and Ph.D degrees in sociology from the University of Washington. Dr. Hirabayshi, a Canadian citizen, resided in Edmonton and was Chair of the Sociology department at the University of Alberta from 1963-70 and retired in 1983.
Eligibility
- The individual or group must be committed to the ideal, as stated in the mission statement of the NAJC, “to strive for equal rights and liberties for all people, particularly racial and ethnic minorities”.
- Individuals or groups must live/operate in Canada.
- The award will not be given posthumously nor to an organization that is no longer active.
- The person may or may not be of Japanese ancestry or a member of NAJC., but supportive of its mandate.
Nomination
Nominations will be accepted by email or mail, together with the following documents in a single submission:
- A letter from the nominator (including address, phone number and email) describing the nominee, their volunteer or paid work and accomplishments, as well as why the nominee merits the award.
- A curriculum vitae or detailed biography or a profile of the nominee.
- Any additional supporting documentation such as articles written by or about the nominee, print materials, internet links or other information.
- At least two references (including addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses), who have in-depth knowledge of the nominee’s work and activities, and who may be contacted by jury members to obtain more detailed information.
A jury of 3 people composed of the Chair of the Human Rights Committee, plus two others selected by the NEB, will review all nominations and make the selection.
Deadline for nominations is July 31, 2021 and providing there is a suitable candidate, the award will be presented at the 2021 AGM. Nominations are to be sent to the attention of the Chair, NAJC Human Rights Committee by email to [email protected] or by regular mail to 180 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 2J9.
For more information, visit Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi Human Rights Award.
