From 1944 to 1945, thirty-seven men confined at Minidoka resisted draft orders resulting in a three and a half year sentence at McNeil Island Federal Penitentiary. Through a month of free community programming, we will explore the courage of these Nisei men who fought for restoration of their full citizenship before serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, the legacy of their actions, and parallels today.

Join Friends of Minidoka on September 20, 2024 from 7-9 pm at the Special Performing Events Center (SPEC) at Boise State University for Nisei Paradox, researched by former Idaho Chief Magistrate Ronald Bush and written by Boise attorney Jeffrey Thomson, offers a glimpse at a historic portrayal of the court proceedings and investigates the contradictions of civic duty and civil rights within a one-act multimedia production.

Deepest thanks to our community partners for making this programming possible — Idaho Humanities Council, Japanese American Community Foundation, Minidoka National Historic Site, Boise State University Civil Liberties Symposium, Boise State Public Radio, Idaho State Museum, Museum of Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, ACLU of Idaho, Japanese American Citizens League Boise Valley Chapter and Idaho Falls Chapter.