Voices of Immigrants

Izumi Inoue

Interview with Izumi Inoue July, 2024

Name: Izumi Inoue

Where are you originally from? Do you have any family members here?

I am originally from Japan. The only family I have here are my children.

When did you first come to Whistler and Why?

I first came to Whistler in 2004. I had previously used the working holiday program to experience winter ski seasons across the globe, Whistler was my next destination.

Due to my experience, I got a job with Whistler Blackcomb as a ski instructor. Canada was always meant to be temporary.

Was Canada/Whistler what you expected, was there any adjustment?

There was no adjustment coming to Whistler, I think this is because of my life experience, I had also previously participated in a student exchange program in America, I was aware of how western countries were. I was used to the mountain culture as I had already experienced this 7 times, I was also aware of what the “Whistler culture” would look like.

I came to Whistler with no expectations and just lived in the moment.

Did you need any help when you came to Whistler?

No, I knew why I was here and that was to have fun and ski, I had a job, and my visa so did not need help with anything.

What was it about Whistler that made you stay?

After my first winter season here, Whistler Blackcomb asked if I would return for the 2nd winter season, so I stayed for the summer on my current visa, then transferred over to my work permit, in total I worked as a ski instructor for 5 years. The plan after Whistler was to continue to experience other skiing destinations around the globe, I was planning to potentially go to France.

However, I found out I was pregnant, so this is the reason I stayed in Whistler, I then got married.

I know everyone has different reasons for coming and staying in Canada so that was mine. This also made my experience/process of getting my permanent residency etc. different from other immigrants as my husband was Canadian therefore a different process to others.

Let’s talk about diversity, how diverse do you think Whistler is? As you came to Whistler before the Olympics have you noticed a difference?

I think maybe the Olympics would have added to the diversity here, but to be truthful I didn’t pay attention to topics like this because I was just having fun. But if I think about it now, I’m sure it would have added to diversity.

Once I had my children and my husband, I had a community around me, so race wasn’t a big notice for me, but thinking about it today and doing the job that I do, I can see Whistler is becoming more diverse and with this I am noticing systemic discrimination and structural inequities that need to be addressed here.

I know you said you have children, how has it been with them growing up here, have you yourself, or have they experienced discrimination here?

I have not received any racial discrimination personally here, and to my knowledge my children haven’t. My children only know Whistler, they don’t know any other communities as this is where they have grown up. It’s hard to take them to Japan due to costs and their dad’s family do not live in BC so it is me and the community here that has raised them. I try to talk about the bubble – the lifestyle in Whistler that they live in openly with my children to get their awareness.

Although I have not experienced racism personally, reflecting on this, systematic discrimination and microaggressions probably occurred, I just didn’t think twice about it. I just thought it was normal, it was just what I was used to.

What are your thoughts on discrimination experienced in the workplace?

Whistler needs to address systematic discrimination and structural inequities, especially in the workplace. Whistler employers need to realize that people come here not only just to have fun anymore, but some also come here so that they can provide for their families. Many with different cultures and workplaces need to be educated on how to be diverse and inclusive so that these people do not experience inequity/discrimination, although many are from organizational systemic and structural.

What is your plan for the future? Is Whistler your forever home?

To be honest, I just don’t know. I do miss travelling and exploring. My eldest daughter is 18 and just about to go travelling around Europe, my youngest is 14. I just don’t know what the future holds and where I will be in the next few years, I would love to travel again, I will just need to see where my life will want to take me. I very much live for the moment, and right now my life is in Whistler.