Kiyoko Okano
Bird Commission case file number 580. Custodian file number 1346. (Source: lac_rg33-69_volume_28_file_0580)
Okano was born on 3 June 1914. Her maiden name is Kiyoko Yasuhara. She was a self-employed dry cleaner and dressmaker who operated under the trade name Jack’s Cleaners. Her family includes Kuma Yasuhara (mother; nee Kuma Nano; deceased at time of file), Matsuichi Yasuhara (father; deceased at time of file), Yoshio Okano (husband; address listed as Japanese Work Camp #1, Geikie, AB), Yoshiye Okano (daughter; born 4 December 1937), Edward Okano [also listed as Isao Okano] (son), Arnold Okano [also listed as Takashi Okano] (son), Hatsue Okano (sister), and T. Matsui (brother-in-law). Her home address is listed as 3084 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC. 784 West 69th Avenue, Vancouver, BC is listed as a former address. She was forcibly uprooted to Coaldale Alberta, P.O. Box 190. A letter dated June 1946 lists her address as Lethbridge, AB. Her listed seized property includes a Hoffman Pressing Machine and household belongings.
Metadata
| Surname | Okano |
| Forename | Kiyoko |
| Regularized Name | Kiyoko Okano |
| Custodian Identification Number | 1346 |
| Nationality | Japanese national |
| Residence (before uprooting) | Vancouver |
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.