From Robert Priest

                                                 Poet, Song-writer, Novelist, Artist   

From: Robert Priest

To: coppss@parl.gc.ca ; martip@parl.gc.ca ; owens@parl.gc.ca ;  fryh@parl.gc.ca ; larry_campbell@city.vancouver.bc.ca ; jim_green@city.vancouver.bc.ca

Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2003 2:43 PM

Subject: The Kogawa Homestead

Dear  All,

I am writing you with an urgent plea that all of you do your utmost to save and restore the Kogawa Homestead.  As you may know, this was once the house of Joy Kogawa, whose famous and  important novel Obasan, deals with the injustices done to Canadians of Japanese descent during the second  world war.  Saving this house for future generations would be a symbolic act of great significance towards redressing, at least emotionally and psychologically, the grievous wrongs done in those dark times. 

I hope you will give this matter your deepest consideration and act in accordance not only with your personal consciences but in accordance with the wishes of many constituents and people of conscience everywhere.  I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely

Robert Priest