Robert Banno, Q.C., receives the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division)
One of the highest honours awarded in our country by the Governor General of Canada
The late Robert Banno, Q.C., the founding President of both Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre and Nikkei Place Foundation, is honoured with the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division). The announcement came on July 1, 2020, by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada.
This decoration is one of the highest honours awarded in our country by the Governor General of Canada; it celebrates Canadians who have performed an exceptional deed or activity that brings honour to Canada. Robert Banno is recognized for his leadership in the creation of Nikkei Place, a landmark cultural institution in Burnaby that unites the Japanese Canadian community.
Robert identified the land Nikkei Place is situated on and served as the Founding President of Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC). He also led the merger of the National Nikkei Heritage Centre Society and the Japanese Canadian National Museum, forming the NNMHC. In 2002, Robert helped to establish the Nikkei Place Foundation to support the fundraising efforts of both the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre and the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society (NSHCHS) and served as the Foundation’s Board President until his death. A fund will be established in Robert Banno’s name to be held at Nikkei Place Foundation.
He learned he would be a recipient of the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) just two weeks prior to his untimely passing. At the time he remarked, “It feels really good to be recognized by Canada”.