Fumiko Shimizu
Shimizu was born on 29 September 1920. She was a housemaid. Her family includes Hana Shimizu (mother; nee Hana Miyagi), Kiyoshi Shimizu (father; deceased at time of file), and James Shimizu (brother). Her home address is listed as 2547 Government Street, Victoria, BC. She was forcibly uprooted to New Denver, BC, where she worked for Cash Service Store for two years, later leaving to join her family at 19 Grandview Avenue, Toronto, ON. Her listed seized property includes a set of silver flatware that Shimizu considered “the most important” of her sentimental belongings. It was her gift to her mother, built up each holiday – Mother’s Day, Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, her mother’s birthday – since Shimizu was sixteen years old. A handwritten letter from Shimizu identifies the property she considers most sentimental, “most dear to our hearts,” and explains what each means to her. She also includes the names of people she feels can testify as to her character. Other listed seized property includes a Crossley Model Standard Radio, two Brownie box cameras, and her stamp and coin collection.
Metadata
Forename | Fumiko |
Surname | Shimizu |
Regularized Name | Fumiko Shimizu |
Custodian Identification Number | 1567 |
Nationality | Canadian born |
Residence (after uprooting) | New Denver, BC |
Residence (before uprooting) | Victoria |
Collections
Custodian Case 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.