CHANDLER, Ariz. – A landmark community gathering, “Gila River Connections: A Celebration of Shared History,” will take place in Chandler, Ariz., from Feb. 19-22, 2026.
This event will bring together Japanese American World War II camp survivors, their descendants, members of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC), students and allies to honor the intertwined histories of the two communities.
The four-day gathering aims to foster healing and reflect on the shared experiences of displacement, resettlement, forced assimilation and ultimately resilience. “This event will simultaneously honor the history of Japanese American incarcerees and the sovereignty of GRIC lands and provide opportunities for community-building and shared healing,” the organizing committee stated.
This promises to be a significant assembly of Japanese Americans at Gila River, building upon the JACL National Convention at Wild Horse Pass in 2006, and the visit of the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) Ireicho (book of names) national tour in 2025.
The core public programming is free of charge and open to all. Events will be held at the Huhugam Heritage Center of the Gila River Indian Community.
Thursday, Feb. 19: Film Screenings and Reception, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- Screening of the award-winning short film “The Blue Jay” by Marlene Shigekawa, executive director of the Poston Community Alliance. The scripted film tells the story of a friendship between a Japanese American incarcerated at Poston and a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
- World premiere of the feature documentary “Taking Our Place” by award-winning filmmaker Antonia Grace Glenn. The film explores the intersections of Japanese American, African American and Native American communities during and after World War II.
- A panel discussion featuring the filmmakers and community elders, followed by a community reception.
Friday, Feb. 20: Lectures and Community Dialogue, 1-4 p.m.
- Panel discussion featuring Japanese American and GRIC elders and community leaders.
- Lecture on the history of baseball in the camps by Bill Staples, Jr., award-winning baseball historian and president of the JACL Arizona Chapter.
- Lecture on Gila River Camp archeology by Koji Lau-Ozawa, assistant professor of anthropology, UCLA.
- Obon dancing to honor the ancestors with live music by Japanese American and GRIC performers.
- A community reception.
The gathering is made possible through the collaboration of key partners and the generous support of dedicated funders. Core partners include:
- Huhugam Heritage Center
- Gila River Indian Community
- JACL Arizona Chapter
- Poston Community Alliance
This event is supported through funding from:
- JACL National Legacy Grant Project
- JA Community Foundation
- Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation
Attendees are also invited to participate in additional community activities throughout the weekend:
- The annual Iwo Jima flag-raising event in Sacaton on Feb. 21, honoring Ira H. Hayes of the GRIC.
- Arizona Matsuri, a festival of Japan, on the weekend of Feb. 21–22.
Learn more at: https://jaclaz.org/event/gila-river-connections/.
Details regarding ticket reservations, suggested accommodations, and more will follow soon.