Consul-General Wajima Presents Commendation on Ms. Michelle Day-Miles
2026/4/21
On April 21, Consul-General Wajima presented Ms. Michelle Day-Miles, longtime Executive Director of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta, with the Consul-General’s Commendation during a private ceremony at his official residence.
Ms. Day-Miles received the award in recognition of her contributions to promoting the Japanese community in Lethbridge through the expansion of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, achieved through the development of the new Bunka Centre, which has helped transform the Garden into a year-round destination for Japanese culture and engagement in Alberta. The Bunka Centre seeks to highlight and preserve the unique history of Japanese Canadians in Southern Alberta.
During her tenure, she also oversaw the creation and oversaw 10 years of the Winter Light Festival and welcomed Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako of Takamado of Japan during the Garden’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017.
She will retire in June after serving as Executive Director since 2015, but will continue supporting Japanese gardens in her new role as President of the North American Japanese Garden Association.
Ms. Day-Miles received the award in recognition of her contributions to promoting the Japanese community in Lethbridge through the expansion of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, achieved through the development of the new Bunka Centre, which has helped transform the Garden into a year-round destination for Japanese culture and engagement in Alberta. The Bunka Centre seeks to highlight and preserve the unique history of Japanese Canadians in Southern Alberta.
During her tenure, she also oversaw the creation and oversaw 10 years of the Winter Light Festival and welcomed Her Imperial Highness Princess Ayako of Takamado of Japan during the Garden’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017.
She will retire in June after serving as Executive Director since 2015, but will continue supporting Japanese gardens in her new role as President of the North American Japanese Garden Association.
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| Ms. Michelle Day-Miles receiving the Consul General’s Commendation |