HHEF – Past Recipients

2024 Recipients

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Kevin is a proud 4th generation Japanese Canadian. Kevin's grandfather, George Miyake and great-grandparents, Takaharu and Namiye Miyake were survivors, who during World War II, were forcibly removed from their home in Haney, BC and relocated to work on a sugar beet farm near Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.

Kevin is a veteran, having served in the Canadian Armed Forces. After the time in the military, he then joined Manitoba Justice- Manitoba Sherrif’s Services as a sheriff’s officer.

In 2017, Kevin graduated from Red River Polytech with a certificate in Primary Care Paramedicine. He then worked as a flight medic for several years, serving Northern communities as well as a first responder for the Province of Manitoba-Shared Health services. Currently Kevin is employed with Indigenous Services Canada and the First Nation’s Inuit Health Branch as a contractor Paramedic.

Kevin is also currently enrolled at Holland College and pursuing a post graduate certificate in Advanced Care Paramedicine (ACP).

He’s volunteered his time and services to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba as a First Aid/Basic Life Saving trainer to healthcare providers and as a CPR/Safety trainer to Scouts Canada.

Kevin's family are lifelong members and supporters of JCAM. He has fond memories of attending the annual picnics with the family!

Kevin would like to thank his aunty, Rhea Miyake & JCAMs Pamela Okano for all the support and direction, and to the Harold Hirose Scholarship Committee for helping to further Kevin's practice in the medical field.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi! My name is Zen Kennedy. I was born in Kagoshima, Japan, and lived there until I was 6 years old. I moved to Canada where my mum and dad made sure to have me hold onto my Japanese heritage by sending me to JCAM. I grew up, finished highschool and played multiple sports. Now I'm in my first year of university at l'Université de St.Boniface studying business administration, all in French!
I like to play guitar, study music, and skateboard during my free time. Thank you so much JCAM scholarship committee for selecting me as the recipient of your award so that I can focus on my studies and use Japanese in my future academics and career.