On August 9, 2012, the District of Sparwood welcomed dignitaries Consul General Hideki Ito and Consul for Cultural Affairs Tetsuya Isono from the Japanese Consulate in Vancouver, BC.
Consul General Ito commented “My recent focus has been on visiting cities in our area of service, namely British Columbia and Yukon, which have twin relations with Japanese cities. There are 34 cities in BC and 1 in Yukon with sister-city ties in Japan and I have been aware of the important role that those relationships play in strengthening the bonds between Canada and Japan. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, my understanding of the value of these sister-city connections has been further confirmed as I have witnessed the part they played in supporting the disaster struck region and I have been taking as much time as possible to visit those sister-cities and meet with their mayors and sister-city committee members”.
“We are delighted to welcome Consul General Ito and Consul for Cultural Affairs Isono to our beautiful community,” says Mayor Lois Halko. “Council is pleased to have an opportunity to meet and discuss ways to strengthen our relationship with our sister city Kamisunagawa” says Halko.
Members of Council met with Consul General Ito and Consul for Cultural Affairs Isono at the District Office and ended their day with a tour of Lilac Terrace and Fire Hall #1. The return trip included a stop at St. Mary’s Band Office to meet with Chief Cheryl Casimer.
