| biography | Tomekichi Homma was born in Oniguye Mura, Chiba-ken, Japan on June 6, 1865. He came to Canada at the age of 18 in 1883. He settled in Steveston and was instrumental in forming the Fisherman's Association Gyosha Dantai in 1897. He was its first chairman from 1897 to 1899. He helped establish both the first Japanese language school in Steveston as well as the first Japanese daily newspaper in Vancouver; the Canada Shimpo. In 1900 to 1902 he fought for the Japanese enfranchisement in the District Court and the Supreme Court of Canada, winning both. However, when the case was taken to the Privy Council in England, he lost. Tomekichi lived in West Vancouver in his later years and was evacuated to Slocan during the war years. He passed away in Slocan at the age of 80 October 28, 1945. Mr. Homma was married to Matsu Homma, (1880-1951), and had 8 children Shizue, Joe Junkichi, Seiji, Shingo, Yoshi , Sumi and Keay. |