Land Acknowledgment: What is now known as Death Valley has been, and continues to be, the homeland of the Paiute (Nuumu), Shoshone (Newe), and Timbisha peoples. This land acknowledgment honors the original inhabitants of this region and the tribes who remain here today.
Located in California’s Owens Valley, between the towns of Lone Pine and Independence, lies Manzanar—a site that stands as a poignant reminder of a dark chapter in American history. During World War II, Manzanar was one of ten War Relocation Centers where over 120,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated following Executive Order 9066. At its peak, Manzanar confined more than 10,000 individuals behind barbed wire and under armed guard.
The Owens Valley, rich in cultural and environmental history, was home to the Paiute people long before the establishment of Manzanar. The area later saw settlers and ranchers, but the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in the early 20th century led to significant changes, including the displacement of local communities and the transformation of the landscape. Manzanar’s location in this valley adds layers to its historical significance, intertwining stories of indigenous displacement, environmental manipulation, and wartime injustice.
In 1969, the first organized pilgrimage to Manzanar took place, initiated by Japanese American activists seeking to acknowledge and educate others about the injustices faced during the war. This annual event has grown over the decades, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds to honor the memories of those incarcerated and to reflect on the importance of civil liberties.
The 56th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Manzanar National Historic Site. The theme for this year is “Truth, Justice, and Democracy,” emphasizing the ongoing relevance of Manzanar’s history in contemporary discussions about civil rights.
Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
• Time: Cultural performances begin at 11:30 a.m., with the main program at 12:00 p.m.
• Location: Manzanar National Historic Site, 5001 Hwy 395, Independence, CA
• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Satsuki Ina, a psychotherapist and filmmaker who was born in a WWII incarceration camp, will share insights on the psychological impacts of incarceration and the importance of healing.
• Additional Activities: The event will feature traditional Japanese drumming by UCLA’s Kyodo Taiko, a procession of camp banners, an interfaith service, and ondo dancing to honor ancestors.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, water, snacks, and flowers for the cemetery tribute. A free shuttle service will operate from the visitor center parking lot to the cemetery from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Following the daytime events, the Manzanar At Dusk program will commence at 5:00 p.m. at Lone Pine High School, located at 538 South Main Street, Lone Pine, CA. This evening gathering offers intergenerational discussions, allowing participants to share stories and reflections on the legacy of Manzanar and its lessons for today.
The pilgrimage and associated events are free and open to the public. For those traveling from Southern California, bus transportation is available from Downtown Los Angeles and Gardena. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, with complimentary fares for former incarcerees.
For more information or to reserve bus seats, visit the Manzanar Committee’s official website.
As we gather to remember and reflect, the Manzanar Pilgrimage serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of those who endured injustice and the importance of safeguarding civil liberties for all.
