1354: Tami Obata

1354: Tami Obata

Tami Obata

Obata was born on 13 April 1892. Her maiden name was Tami Ishiwata. At some point she began to use the name Mary Tami Obata. She was a rooming house proprietor. Her property was a two-story building with three stores on the ground floor and ten rooms on the second floor. Her family includes Yoshida Ishiwata (father; deceased at time of file), C. Sataro Obata (husband; deceased at time of file), and Roger Obata (son). Her home address is listed as 719 Third Avenue, Prince Rupert, BC. She was forcibly uprooted to 89 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto, ON and to 346 Merton Street, Toronto, ON. Her building with three stores and ten rooms, including contents, was seized and sold to James Harris Shriaberg of 144 Water Street, Vancouver, BC. Another of her properties was sold to Mrs. Lily Jackson nee Lily Harris. Her other listed seized property includes an R.C.A. Radio Gramaphone and household belongings.
Sex F
Date of Birth 13 April 1892
Nationality Naturalized Canadian
Locations after uprooting
Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
Reel
C-9317 (1503-1676)
Type Person
Custodian Number 1354
Name Tami Obata
Dates
Not Before: 26 March 1942
Not After: 06 January 1952
Case File Also Contains
This file also contains letters of protest from Tami Obata and her son.
Excerpt Some day, the people of Canada will learn of the terrible injustice that has been inflicted upon one minority group for no justifiable reason whatsoever. When that time comes, the people who were responsible for this shameful act will bow their heads in disgrace for boasting of their grand democracy." (Excerpt from a letter written by Tami Obata to the Office of the Custodian)

Metadata

Title

1354: Tami Obata

Credits

Metadata Author: Lindy Marks
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Terminology

Readers of these historical materials will encounter derogatory references to Japanese Canadians and euphemisms used to obscure the intent and impacts of the internment and dispossession. While these are important realities of the history, the Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective urges users to carefully consider their own terminological choices in writing and speaking about this topic today as we confront past injustice. See our statement on terminology, and related sources here.