Megan Kiyoko Wray, Author and Brynne Takeuchi Monterrosa, Artist

On Saturday, November 15, the Manitoba Buddhist Temple held a gala dinner to celebrate the launch of its new book, Little Temple on the Prairie – A History of the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, written by Megan Kiyoko Wray. It was a wonderful evening. Sixteen of the twenty-four temple members who survived the forced evacuation of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War were honoured. Each received a corsage or boutonniere and a beautifully wrapped copy of the book.

This publication was made possible through a grant from the Japanese Canadian Legacy Society (JCLS). We were grateful to have their CEO, Susanne Tabata, attend and offer remarks before dinner. Following the meal, guests viewed a 15-minute video produced by Robert Miyai.

Both the illustrator, Brynne Takeuchi Monterrosa, and the author, Megan Kiyoko Wray, delivered heartfelt speeches. As I looked around the room, I saw how attentively people listened to their every word. It was deeply moving to hear these young Yonsei share their reflections on learning, writing, and illustrating the 79-year history of our temple.

Below is a synopsis of the book:

"During World War II, displaced Japanese Canadians arrived in Manitoba, having lost everything to government-ordered internment and forced exile. Scattered across rural farms, they faced harsh conditions, deep isolation, and the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. Yet, despite these struggles, they created something extraordinary: a Buddhist temple that became a pillar of faith, culture, and resilience.

Little Temple on the Prairie traces the remarkable history of the Manitoba Buddhist Temple from its humble beginnings as a refuge for a scattered community to its enduring presence today. Through archival research and intimate oral histories, Megan Kiyoko Wray illuminates the perseverance of the Issei and Nisei who defied loss and discrimination to build a space of belonging—not just for themselves, but for generations to come.

This is more than a story about a temple. It is a testament to survival and solidarity, a reminder that honouring the past is not just about looking back, but about shaping the future. It calls on us to ask: how will you remember?"

Paperback copies of the book may be purchased directly from the Manitoba Buddhist Temple for $25. Payment can be made by cheque or via e-transfer to mbt.winnipeg@gmail.com.

Hardcover and digital editions are available through several online booksellers, including FriesenPress, McNally Robinson, Indigo–Chapters, and Amazon. Please note that these versions are priced higher than the paperback copies available directly from the temple.

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism was founded 8,000 kilometres east of Winnipeg more than 800 years ago. Its origins involve a radical monk, a Pure Land, and, as is true of all Buddhist schools of thought, the goal of Enlightenment. The tradition’s relatively recent history in Canada is intertwined with the devastating internment, during the Second World War, of Japanese Canadians—the descendants of farmers and fishermen who brought Jodo Shinshu to B.C. and Alberta in the 1800s.

So even before you try to start unpacking the religion’s pivotal Primal Vow of Amida or attempt to memorize the Nembutsu chant, there’s a lot to learn. That's why the Manitoba Buddhist Temple is offering a Buddhism 101 class to get you started. The session is free, just bring your curiosity and an open mind. The Manitoba Buddhist Temple invites all those interested in exploring and learning what Buddhism has to offer with an introduction on Saturday, March 1, at 1pm. Admission is free and parking is available at the Health Sciences Centre parking lot across from the temple.

The session will be led by Sensei James Martin. Sensei Martin was born and raised in rural Manitoba and encountered Buddhism while travelling in various parts of Asia. He has trained and studied Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Kyoto, Japan and Berkeley, California. Most recently, he was the resident minister of the Calgary Buddhist Temple until his retirement in 2019.

Please RSVP if you are interested:
tanismoo@gmail.com

The JCLS approved two grants for the Bento Box and the Manitoba Buddhist Temple History Preservation projects in 2024. We are grateful to JCLS for their support that allows us to recognize and honour our elder members who survived the WWII internment of Japanese Canadians.

Keirokai celebration, May 2023

The $14 million Community Fund addresses the enduring intergenerational impact that government actions had on the Japanese-Canadian community. The program not only honours the past, but invests in the future by allocating funds to six project streams: community projects, arts, sports, scholarships, infrastructure, and intergenerational wellness.

As we did in 2022 during the pandemic, the Manitoba Buddhist Temple will be delivering Bento boxes to the approximate 30 sangha members who are survivors of the internment. The meals provided are in gratitude of the difficulties and hardships they endured and for their strength and resiliency in overcoming adversity.

The second grant for 2024 is for a research project to document and preserve the 77-year history of the Manitoba Buddhist Association Inc., including gathering of photos and videos, as well as compiling the MBT History Book, Bulletins, newspaper and television coverage, and interviews with elder members.

It is hoped that the initiatives funded by the Japanese Canadian Legacies fund will honour our elders past and present and for generations to come. 

Once completed, the cranes will be put on display at locations throughout the city of Winnipeg.

For more information, contact Sensei Tanis Moore of the Manitoba Buddhist Temple.
tanismoo@gmail.com

source: https://origami.me/