Sawaichi Obayashi
Bird Commission case file number 1308. Custodian file number 1337. (Source: lac_rg33-69_volume_66_file_1308.)
Obayashi was born on 9 December 1902. He was a fisherman empolyed by Great West Cannery, Steveston, BC. His family includes Asano Obayashi (mother), Jutaro Obayashi (father), Sadako Obayashi [also listed as Sumiye Obayashi] (wife; nee Sadako Matsumoto or Sumiye Matsumoto; in Japan), Keiko Obayashi (daughter; in Japan), Takahiro Obayashi (son; in Japan) and Yasuko Obayashi (daughter; in Japan). His home address (which he owned) is listed as 10 Great West Cannery, Steveston, BC. He was forcibly uprooted to Turin, AB and then to Chapleau, ON in July 1947. His listed seized property includes his two boats, the “Sea Gull,” sold to H. Bell-Irving & Company Limited, and the “Y.M.,” sold to Harry Kotthammer, as well as gill nets, a sewing machine, and household belongings.
Metadata
| Surname | Obayashi |
| Forename | Sawaichi |
| Regularized Name | Sawaichi Obayashi |
| Occupation | Fisherman |
| Custodian Identification Number | 1337 |
| Nationality | Naturalized Canadian |
| Residence (after uprooting) | Turin, AB |
| Residence (before uprooting) | Steveston |
Collections
Custodian Case Files (1)
Other Archival Files (1)
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.