For many of us at Asian Canadian Writers' Workshop (ACWW), Roy Miki was more than an influential figure; he was a mentor, a voice of wisdom, and a guiding light for generations of writers and thinkers. His poetry captured the delicate tension between personal and collective memory, especially in the face of historical injustices. In the years following his leadership in the Japanese Canadian Redress movement, Roy never stopped advocating for equity, using his voice to amplify those who were often unheard.
In the quiet strength of his words, Roy carved out a legacy that transcended the boundaries of literature and activism. His recent passing marks the end of a chapter in Canadian cultural history, but his impact will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew his work.
Born in 1942 to Japanese Canadian parents, Miki’s early life was shaped by the scars of injustice. His family, like thousands of other Japanese Canadians, was displaced during World War II under the harsh policies of internment and dispossession. These formative experiences of systemic racism would fuel much of his life’s work, both as a poet and a staunch advocate for social justice.
Miki’s poetry often reflected his search for identity, belonging, and the painful legacy of the Japanese Canadian experience. His collection Surrender (2001) was awarded the Governor General's Literary Award, where his poetic voice expressed both resilience and vulnerability, confronting the silences of history while giving voice to those left in its wake. His language, spare yet deeply evocative, became a tool for healing, both personal and collective.
But Miki was more than a poet. He was a leading force in the Japanese Canadian redress movement, which culminated in the historic 1988 apology from the Canadian government for the wrongs committed during the internment. Miki’s activism demonstrated his belief that art and politics were intertwined, that the personal was always political, and that change could be driven by those willing to challenge the narratives of the powerful.
As a professor, Miki influenced generations of students at Simon Fraser University, where he encouraged critical thought and creative expression. His scholarly works, including critical essays on racism, identity, and Canadian cultural politics, remain essential readings for those seeking to understand Canada’s complex history of multiculturalism and exclusion.
In every aspect of his life, Miki sought to bridge gaps—between the past and the present, between marginalized communities and the broader society, between silence and expression. His passing is a profound loss, yet the body of work he leaves behind continues to remind us of the importance of memory, justice, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
Roy's work remains a testament to the power of language to both inspire change and heal the wounds of history. Roy, thank you for your unwavering commitment to justice, to poetry, and to the people you fought so fiercely to uplift.
