First Rising Sun
This is the image of the "First Rising Sun of 2012" the picture was taken in Matsushima an area devastated by the Japanese Tsunami on March 11, 2011.
The Sun rise is so beautiful and stands a beacon of hope and promise for 2012.
Save the Date
A/JTMA – Annual Conference and AGM - July 4 & 5, 2013.Didsbury, Alberta.
Further information to follow:
Conference Chair Person – Executive Director – Luana Smith.
Meet A/JTMA Executives!
Resulting from the 2011 Annual General Meeting an addition was made to the Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association Executive Members.
Erynne recently returned from Wanouchi-cho, Japan (The Town of Hinton's Japanese twin town) where she taught English for one year. Erynne's first hand experience working with youth as well as her knowledge of the Japanese language is an invaluable asset and resource to the Association.
Erynne is a University student and currently resides in the City of Calgary.
Welcome Erynne!
Erynne Sjoblom
Jerry and his wife, Connie reside in Rocky Mountain House. Jerry is an active member of the Rocky Kamikawa Friendship Society. Jerry and Connie have supported and contributed greatly towards Japanese relations. Jerry and Connie have also participated in many A/JTMA functions, events and conferences.
Jerry brings a wealth of experience along with wisdom and insight to the Association.
Welcome Jerry.
Jerry Madsen
Dr. Roy and his wife Betts reside in Rocky Mountain House and have been very avid members of the Rocky Kamikawa Friendship Society as well as active in A/JTMA events, conferences and functions.
Dr. Roy is instrumental in sustaining their excellent relationship with Kamikawa, Japan. In June this year, a very successful fundraiser was held to raise donations to be sent towards the Japanese Tsunami relief efforts.
Dr. Roy brings significant experience, wisdom and foresight to the Association.
Welcome Dr. Roy.
Roy Kariatsumari
Harold and his wife Cheryl reside in Lethbridge. Harold is involved in International Relations in a number of ways and has been for several years. He is President of the Lethbridge Twinning Society and in 2011 was designated as Country Co-ordinator for Canada with Sister Cities International.
Harold has visted Japan on three occasions and has gleaned an understanding of the Japanese culture, language and established close freindships there.
Harold Pereverseff
His Worship Mayor Brian Wittal along with Didsbury City Councillors greet the Miki Town, Japan - Student Delegation (15)
for their exchage visit on March 21, 2012. Ms. Ayaka Kawakita (Miki Town English teacher) and Mr. Yuji Sato (Miki Town Office) are shown
Along with Didsbury RCMP Members, Sergeant Jacobsen and Corporal Wright.
Town of Didsbury welcomes delegation from their twin city, Miki Town, Japan
On March 21, the Town of Didsbury welcomed a 15 student delegation from their twin city, Miki Town, Japan. The welcome reception featured The Didsbury High School Jazz Band Quartet, welcome greetings and of course, Alberta Beef was on the buffet table! It was an honour for the President of the A/JTMA and representatives to be invited to this important event. A very enjoyable evening and a wonderful opportunity to see first hand "What twinning is all about!" The host families and the students were all excited about the arrival and the week before them. Didsbury continues with the very successful "Maple Leaf Exchange Program" now in their 8th year.
Memorial Dinner Reception
On March 08, Consul General for Japan, (Calgary) Susumu Fukuda and his wife Alicia invited a number of guests to their official residence. This was a special and memorial dinner reception in remembrance of the Great East Japan earth quake of March 11, 2011. A delicate, compassionate display of pictures was tastefully arranged in the living room reception area. This display provided graphic images of the devastation and the subsequent revival of the eastern coastal region of Japan subsequent to the disaster of March 11, 2011. This presentation will be on display at the Calgary Municipal Building Atrium, 800 Macleod Trail SE on March 12 – 16 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM.The reception was highlighted by a presentation by Consul General Fukuda followed by a heart felt message from The Honourable Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
The meal that followed featured rice and wines from the Tohoku Region of Japan. The hospitality of Consul General Fukuda and his wife, along with their staff, was second to none. It was an incredible evening, one filled with compassion and understanding for the people of Japan and the suffering and anguish that this catastrophic earth quake event caused.
We were honoured to be invited and to participate in such a memorable evening.
Hon. Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta and Consul General for Japan (Calgary) Susumu Fukuda.
Hon. Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta and Harold Pereverseff.
Consul-General for Japan – Calgary – Susumu Fukuda
Harold Pereverseff, President of the Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association was accompanied by a delegation from the Lethbridge Twinning Society to the presentation. Various other organizations and invited guests (including a Dr. in Nuclear Physics) were in attendance as well.
Consul-General Fukuda expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of his country for the world wide relief efforts following the event. He mentioned the 5 Million Dollar donation made by the Province of Alberta, and the other donations received by his office from various sources. We know that many of the Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association members contributed to the relief as well.
The presentation highlighted several of the astonishing developments in the reconstruction of the ravaged regions. The infrastructure is practically rebuilt and a strategies are in place to encourage resettling along with incentives for building in the area. Taxes have been relaxed and visa requirements are being lighted with extended periods of stays being allowed.
The presentation, questions and response from the audience were all positive, it was an encouraging evening.
Lethbridge Twinning Society delegate, Jeannie Goossens rises to ask Consul-General Fukuda a
question regarding the floating mass of post tsunami debris that is scheduled to reach the North American coast line this year.
Canadian International Council (Calgary Branch) President, Duane Bratt and Consul-General Fukuda.
Cultural Forum - 2012
On February 24 and 25 Cultural Forum 2012 was hosted in Red Deer by Alberta Culture and Community Services Minister Heather Klimchuk. Minister of International Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Relations, Cal Dallas was in attendance and spoke during the opening ceremony. It was certainly encouraging when Premier Redford spoke, she had stressed the importance of all the Government Departments and Ministries working together in collaboration. A forum of this magnitude was the first ever, with nearly 400 community leaders from across Alberta representing a wide spectrum of cultural interests.Harold Pereverseff was invited to the forum representing the Lethbridge Twinning Society, however there were information tables set out. Information on the Lethbridge Twinning Society as well as the A/JTMA was displayed. (Picture of Hon. MLA Klimchuk was taken in front of the A/JTMA display.)
The plenary sessions and networking during the two days permitted excellent opportunities for sharing the "Twinning Vision and Mission ". There was a lot of interest in twinning relationships and for many it was the first time they became aware of our existence.
It was an honour and a pleasure to be invited to the forum. To be able to participate in such a dynamic environment was amazing. The key elements of the forum, "Explore, Educate, Evolve and Engage" were certainly timely and challenging.
Huge kudos to Hon. MLA Klimchuk and Alberta Culture and Community Services!
A/JTMA welcomes the City of Brooks
On January 20, 2012 A/JTMA President, Harold Pereverseff met with Brooks City Councillor, Norm Gerestein at the Brooks City Hall.The City of Brooks, "Alberta's Centennial City" have a long standing relationship with the City of Hiroo, Japan. This relationship is sustained through the excellent student program/exchange administered through Principal Grant Jensen and the Brooks Composite High School.
The City of Brooks is our newest member to join the A/JTMA following in the footsteps of the Okinawa Cultural Society from Lethbridge.
Consul General of Japan – Calgary
Consul General Susuma Fukuda
On December 06, 2011 – The Lethbridge Twinning Society hosted a dedication ceremony at the City Hall in Lethbridge. A Japanese Taiko, a gift from Towada City, Japan, was unveiled and dedicated.
Please see more details at: Lethbridge Twinning Society - Events
It was a great honour to have Consul General Fukuda attend in Lethbridge for this special dedication ceremony.
Save The Date
May 04 & 05, 2012 is the date of the A/JTMA Annual Conference in Wetaskiwin.Please contact Gladys Mojelski at bgmojel@xplornet.com for further details.
The conference questionnaires that were circulated at the Hinton Conference this year are requested back to Gladys as soon as possible please.
Dr. David Ibsen visit to Lethbridge
Discussions centered around interaction between FACTS and A/JTMA in particular with respect to youth involvement as well as travel to Japan, with educational aspects in mind. Dr. Ibsen had the opportunity of visiting the University of Lethbridge where he met with (PICTURE) Trish (Middle) and Laura (Left) at the University of Lethbridge International Centre for Students.
Trish is a the Acting Director of the Centre. Dr. Ibsen met as well with University Staff from the Faculty of Education. Further to these official visits, Dr. Ibsen attended a "going away" celebration dinner in honour of students from Habaeru, Okinawa, Japan who had been visiting Lethbrige.
Dr. David Ibsen is currently working on facilitating a visit to Japan planned for 2012, the trip will include cultural and educational aspects of Japan and intended on enhancing our friendship ties.
Please see: http://abssgr8.blogspot.com
Okinawa Cultural Society (LOS) Reception
Vice Mayor of the Haebaru Township Government, Shinsyo Kuniyoshi along with two representatives of the Haebaru Town Board of Education, Minako Matsumoto and Yukie Shimoji had accompanied the eight students during their visit to Alberta.
It was heart tugging to hear the Japanese students relate their wonderful experiences in Lethbridge with their host families and at their school. They were very appreciative of their organizing hosts, (LOS). President of LOS, Yoshitaka Kinjo "Taka" has consistently worked with the Haebaru Town to make the connection with Lethbridge very close and sincere.
During the reception, Vice Mayor Shinsyo presented the Town of Haebaru flag to Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association (A/JTMA) President, Harold Pereverseff. LOS are members of A/JTMA and the flag will be used at A/JTMA events recognizing the relationship of LOS and Haebaru Town.
An Incredible Opportunity and a Wonderful Experience!
Hinton of course is twinned with Wanochi Town while Lethbridge is twinned with Towada City.
Relations such as these have an incredible impact on our over all relations, and open up wide gates of opportunity, especially for our youth. This year, Joan Janeczko's daughter, Ali is preparing for a home stay in Japan! We hope that she will be able to visit Towada City, during her visit to Japan!
Our Executive Member, Erynne has been following up with these youth exchange opportunities and we certainly encourage these to continue.
Please read Tsuzura's attached report for her impression of Canada and her experiences.
Hands of Friendship
The A/JTMA is proud to present such a meaningful monument to not only recognize the past three decades of twinning relations, but to also look to the future as we continue to build strong and meaningful assocations between communities in Alberta and Japan.
Recent events:
2011 Annual Conference of the Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association: 19 & 20, 2011 - Hinton, AlbertaThis picture was taken at the A/JTMA conference and represents some of the attendees including Consul General of Japan, Susumu Fukuda and his wife Alicia. The 2011 A/JTMA conference was hosted by the Town of Hinton.
We were very pleased with the venue along with the excellent meals program and entertainment organized by Hinton. Special thank you to Ian, Rhonda and Shiho for making us so welcome to Hinton and for the opportunity of meeting the Mayor and delegation from your Japanese twin town, Wanouchi Town.
Please, download 2011 Annual Conference of the Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association Agenda.
This year, the world was (and still is) in shock as the devastating earthquakes struck off the eastern coast of Japan causing the enormous tsunami in the Fukishima area.
The long distance from here to Japan seemed so much closer as we all hoped and prayed for normality to return to the lives of the Japanese affected by this disaster. Many Alberta communities, particularly member communities of the A/JTMA rose up to the instant and did something/anything they could to provide assistance. We, the A/JTMA Executive, commend these communities for their timely and compassionate efforts.
True we too suffer our own misfortunes at the hands of nature (Slave Lake for example) we most certainly rally together for support there as well, not withstanding our efforts at home, the A/JTMA is proud of our membership who have reached out! Keep up the good work! We hope that at this year's conference, we might hear, first hand, from the represented municipalise how your Japan relief efforts went.
It will be wonderful to meet this year at the conference, those communities who have considered joining the A/JTMA, this is your moment! Please contact Shiho Hayashi at: 1(780)865-2363 e-mail: hayashi8@telus.net
Harold Pereverseff,
President
Alberta/Japan Twinned Municipalities Association
Luncheon in honour of Consul General of Japan
Picture: L to R - Mr. Brian Manning, Mrs. Alicia Fukuda, Consul General Susumu Fukuda, Minister of Alberta International Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Iris Evans, Mr. Kyo Oshima, Mr. Harold Pereverseff and Mr. Kent McMullin.
On June 14, 2011 Hon. Minister, Iris Evans hosted a luncheon in honour of the recent arrival of our new Consul General of Japan, Susumu Fukuda. The luncheon was held in Edmonton.
The luncheon provided the opportunity to get to know the new Consul General and his lovely wife. Consul General Fukuda has served in postings in Los Angeles, California, the Dominican Republic and was also Counsellor of the Japanese Embassies in Chile, Guatemala and Norway. His most recent posting was that of Consul General of Japan in Lima, Peru. Consul General Fukuda and his wife, Alicia have two daughters, Mie and Reina who are both studying in the USA. The Consul General enjoys golf and karaoke while his wife enjoys art and is honing her painting skills.
It was a great pleasure to meet and welcome the Consul General and his wife. We wish them a successful and enjoyable tenure in Alberta.
Japan Film Festival 2010: October 8th & 9th, 2010
Wonderful Japan Film Festival 2010 took place at Plaza Theatre, 1133 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, AB. The Festival featured the following movies: Memories of Matsuko, I Just Didn't Do It, ALWAYS - Sunset on Third Street, The Battery - Future in Our Hands.
A/JTMA Annual Conference 2010
Hosted by the Town of Stony Plain. Held: July 13 &14, 2010
The two ornaments infront of the A/JTMA flag were gifts presented to the President of the Alberta/Japan Twinned Muncipalities Association by representatives of Hokkaido, Japan.
Picture: Beautiful mural at City Hall in Stony Plain
A/JTMA 2009 Conference in Whitecourt
David Messer (Alberta Government International Intergovernmental Relations) Edmonton, Alberta;
Mrs. Kyoko Minemura (Wife of Consul General of Japan)Calgary, Alberta;
Harold Pereverseff (President) Lethbridge, Alberta;
Consul General Minemura (Consul General of Japan) Calgary, Alberta;
Edie Yuill (Treasurer) Barrhead, Alberta;
Diane Harlton (Secretary) Stonyplain, Alberta;
Nancy Wu (Alberta Government International Intergovernmental Relations) Edmonton, Alberta;
Robert Twerdoclib (2010 Conference Host) Stonyplain, Alberta.
Information Meeting, September 08, 2009
Please, download the Word file about Information Meeting in Calgary, Alberta.
New Alberta-Japan twinning agreement
Japanese Memorial Garden Dedication - Legislature Grounds
Edmonton, Alberta - October 08, 2008: The 17 Downy Cherry shrubs planted this week on the east grounds of the Alberta Legislature are just babies, each about a foot tall. But in a few years, the saplings will grow up to 10 times their size, and springtime blooms will fragrance the air, bringing a touch of Hokkaido to Alberta.
The ornamental trees, native to Japan, represent the 17 Alberta municipalities and 15 high schools twinned with Japanese counterparts in the prefecture of Hokkaido. Centred around a stone lantern, the garden was officially unveiled at a ceremony Wednesday celebrating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada. More >>>
Read the full story in Edmonton Journal.
Please visit Government of Alberta site:
press-releases, current events, latest news, statistics, and much more about
Alberta's International and Intergovernmental Relations!