Minidoka national historic Site Named One of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Massive Proposed Wind Farm threatens Minidoka National Historic Site.
May 4, 2022 - The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Minidoka National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, as one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in America.
Minidoka National Historic Site is threatened by a proposal to build one of America’s largest wind farms on public land with 400 wind turbines on Minidoka’s historic footprint and within 2 miles of the Visitor Center. This is the second time that Minidoka National Historic Site has been named to the 11 Most Endangered list.
Betrayed: Surviving an American Concentration Camp. Documentary airs Nationwide on public television May 2022.
May 1, 2022 - Friends of Minidoka and North Shore Productions are excited to announce that Betrayed: Surviving an American Concentration Camp is airing nationwide on public television for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month starting May 1, 2022. See airdates and locations here.
Betrayed is also available to stream for free on the PBS video app starting Monday, May 2.
Directed by Rory Banyard and narrated by Tamlyn Tomita, Betrayed tells the story of a group of American citizens and their mass incarceration by the U.S. government purely on the basis of race. In the compelling voices of survivors, the film explores the unconstitutional suspension of the civil rights of these Japanese Americans during WWII and the long-lasting impact of incarceration on their community. The film looks at the rise of Japanese American activism in defense of the rights of others, and the relevance of this story today, both in the targeting of groups based on their religion or ethnicity and the actions of the U.S. government at our southern border.
Along with our film, we have launched companion Educational Films & Lesson Plans for middle and high school students focusing on four themes: Power of Words, Power of the Press, Patriotism and Protest, and Standing Up for Others. They are freely available and downloadable.Minidoka National Historic Site, and community partners are commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 with community screenings of Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066. Jon Osaki, the filmmaker, and other community leaders will participate in post-screening panels to discuss the lessons and legacy for today.
80th Anniversary Day of Remembrance. Alternative Facts: The lies of Executive Order 9066 Film Screening & Panel Discussion.
Friends of Minidoka, Minidoka National Historic Site, and community partners are commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 with community screenings of Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066. Jon Osaki, the filmmaker, and other community leaders will participate in post-screening panels to discuss the lessons and legacy for today.
Alternative Facts sheds light on the people and politics that influenced the signing of the infamous Executive Order 9066, which authorized the mass incarceration of nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans. The film exposes the lies used to justify the decision and the cover-up that went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The film also examines the parallels to the current climate of fear, attitudes towards immigrant communities, and similar attempts to abuse the powers of the government.
Saturday, February 19, 2022
The Community Library, Ketchum, Idaho
4 - 6 pm
Panelists: Jon Osaki, filmmaker; Becky Lopez, Executive Director of The Alliance of Idaho; and Hon. Ronald Bush, former Chief Magistrate Judge for US District Court for the District of Idaho
To attend in person, RSVP required HERE. Proof of vaccination and masks required. Limited capacity.
To view the event virtually, click HERE.
Sunday, February 20, 2022
College of Southern Idaho, Hepworth Building, Room 108
2:30 - 4:30 pm
Panelists include: Jon Osaki, filmmaker; Karen Hirai Olen, Minidoka Survivor; and Samra Culum-Williams, Ed.D, College of Southern Idaho.
To attend in person, RSVP required HERE. Masks suggested. Limited capacity.
Monday, February 21, 2022
Idaho State Museum, Boise, Idaho
2:30 - 4:30 pm
Panelists: Jon Osaki, filmmaker; Leo Morales, Executive Director of The ACLU of Idaho; and Hon. Ronald Bush, former Chief Magistrate Judge for US District Court for the District of Idaho
To attend in person, RSVP required HERE. Masks suggested. Limited capacity.
Please Give Today! Support our work to honor our past and protect our future.
Help Friends of Minidoka honor survivors’ legacy and ensure that their experiences are not forgotten. With the rise of anti-Asian American hate, we must continue to share the Minidoka story in the fight for racial justice in our country. Through preservation, protection, and education, as the official partner of the Minidoka National Historic Site, we strive to inspire citizens to become stewards of our nation's democratic ideals. Go to DONATE to give online.
Briefing on Minidoka-Lava Ridge
National JACL is holding a briefing on the wind project being proposed at Minidoka on Thurs. Oct. 14. Comments on this project are due on 10/20. Click HERE to learn more about the briefing.
Introducing Robyn Achilles as our New Executive Director
Friends of Minidoka is very pleased to announce the hiring of our new Executive Director, Robyn Achilles! Read full announcement here.
ACT NOW! Proposed Wind Farm Threat to Minidoka
We need all of our friends to act now, get involved, and help us preserve the Minidoka WWII Japanese American confinement site for future generations. Read here for more information!
2021 Spring/Summer Newsletter
Our Spring/Summer Newsletter is now available online! The newsletter was sent by postal mail to members, and by email to all of those who have subscribed to updates.