2025 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage
July 24-26, 2025
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ATTENTION PILGRIMAGE ATTENDEES:
Welcome! Below is a schedule, for your information before you arrive in Cody (this schedule is subject to change). Please check the schedule for the times when the registration desk will be open for check-in. The registration table will be open at the Holiday Inn starting in the afternoon on Wednesday, July 23. Onsite registration is where participants check in with us so we know you’ve arrived and can provide you with registration packets including nametags, guidelines, a detailed schedule, and information for the entire weekend.
If you will not be able to check in before some of the events start (on Thursday, for example, or on Friday morning), please don’t worry, you may still attend everything, just let a member of staff know that you have not had a chance to check in and we will coordinate with you to get your name tag, bag, and details of the weekend all sorted out.
There will be signage in the Holiday Inn lobby leading you to the Heart Mountain Pilgrimage check-in where there will be schedules and information about the entire three days of events. There will also always be bus schedules in the lobby and at the main hub of the Pilgrimage activities at the Holiday Inn, the Taggarts Room, so you will not miss out on transportation.
View the schedule for the Pilgrimage Weekend here:
Please note: The schedule is subject to change. A printed schedule will be provided during check-in for the Pilgrimage at the Holiday Inn in Cody, WY.
Have questions or concerns? Please check out our Pilgrimage FAQs Page:
2025 Pilgrimage Overview
1945-2025
80 Years: Closing of the Heart Mountain Camp and Our Legacy
Eighty years ago, the unjust incarceration of over 14,000 Japanese Americans at Heart Mountain finally came to an end. Yet, the lessons of this dark chapter in history are more relevant than ever. Join us at the 2025 Heart Mountain Pilgrimage as we honor the stories of incarceration, uplift the voices of incarcerees and their descendants, and fortify our community’s strength.
This year’s Pilgrimage will be a powerful gathering, designed to inspire hope and resilience for future generations. Featured events include the premiere of Hello Maggie!, the stamping of the Ireichō, the debut of a compelling short film exploring cultural connections to Heart Mountain, multigenerational discussion groups, a transformative art healing workshop, and the ever-popular Sayonara Banquet.
Come be part of this unforgettable experience—because remembering the past is the key to shaping a just future.
Thank you to this year’s sponsors!
Highlights of this year’s Pilgrimage:
Hello Maggie! Film Premiere
Hello Maggie! is a book written by former Heart Mountain incarceree Shigeru Yabu that tells his story of being forced from the family’s home in San Francisco and sent to Heart Mountain in 1942. While in camp, Shig found a baby magpie that he kept as a pet during the war. The bird provided comfort to Shig, his family, and friends as they endured three years at Heart Mountain.
He wrote the book with legendary cartoonist and animator Willie Ito, who was also from San Francisco but incarcerated at the camp in Topaz, Utah. After the war, Willie went on to an illustrious career as an animator, including at the Walt Disney Co., where he was one of the lead artists for the 1955 classic Lady and the Tramp.
Inspired by this beloved book, we are excited to be hosting the international premiere of the animated short film Hello Maggie! at this year’s Pilgrimage. Willie Ito will be joined onstage by Tony Tarantini, the director of the film, and Carlo Chiarotti, the film’s composer, following the screening to discuss this artistic project nearly five years in the making. Under the direction of Tarantini and in collaboration with Ito, students from Accademia Nemo in Florence, Italy, and Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada, industry professionals, and Heart Mountain staff have contributed to this project and produced a compelling audio-visual retelling of this story in animated form.
Heart Mountain Voices: Connecting Communities with Digital Stories
This powerful short film brings together five students, Japanese American and Indigenous youth, to explore their shared heritage through the lens of digital storytelling. Witness how this cross-cultural collaboration bridges history, identity, and the deep connections we all share to the land.
Pilgrimage Overview:
Thursday, July 24th
Get ready for an action-packed day of discovery, creativity, and connection!
Start your morning and afternoon exploring the historic Heart Mountain site with guided tours of the iconic Root Cellar, Hospital Complex, and Memorial Park. Wander through the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center at your own pace and uncover powerful stories from the past.
For our younger attendees, the Mineta-Simpson Institute will be buzzing with hands-on children’s activities, including calligraphy, drawing Heart Mountain, fun coloring pages, interactive storybook time, and mastering Boy Scout/Girl Scout knot tying!
As the afternoon winds down, choose from a variety of engaging workshops! Whether you’re sketching away in Cartooning with Willie, exploring cutting-edge storytelling in Digital Remembrance: New Approaches for Nikkei Connection and Preservation, or diving into Heart Mountain’s newest publication, Images of America, there’s something for everyone.
Cartooning with Willie Ito
Step into the world of animation magic! Join legendary retired Disney animator, Willie Ito, for an exclusive, hands-on drawing session where he’ll teach you how to sketch some of his most iconic cartoon characters, while discussing the new animated short film, Hello Maggie!, premiering at this year’s Pilgrimage. Director Tony Tarantini will explore the production process for the film. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just a fan of classic animation, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In the evening, we honor the past with the Annual Survivor’s Meetup, a heartfelt gathering where former incarcerees can reconnect, reflect, and share their stories.
Then, it’s time to turn up the fun! Everyone is invited to the legendary Frank Emi Karaoke Night—a high-energy celebration named after civil rights activist and Heart Mountain Fair Play Committee leader, Frank Emi. Whether you’re a karaoke pro or a first-timer, grab the mic, sing your heart out, and bond with fellow attendees in an unforgettable night of music and camaraderie!
Ireichō Stamping and Tour
Heart Mountain is honored to host the Ireichō— the sacred book of names—at this year’s Pilgrimage. This powerful record contains the first comprehensive listing of over 125,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated in US Army, Department of Justice, Wartime Civil Control Administration, and War Relocation Authority camps. Want to take part in this historic moment? To stamp the book, you must reserve an appointment. Spots are limited, so sign up here! Learn more about this deeply significant project here and to see other locations of the tour, click here.**
**The Ireichō will be on display at the Heart Mountain site. If you have a scheduled appointment to stamp the Ireichō, please note that transportation to the Heart Mountain site is not guaranteed. While buses frequently transport attendees to the site, some appointment slots may overlap with other programming or times when buses are not available.
Friday, July 25th
The day kicks off at the Wyonona Thompson Auditorium with an exciting plenary session featuring the world premiere of Hello Maggie!—a beautifully animated film chronicling the incredible true story of Shig Yabu and his heartwarming bond with a magpie at Heart Mountain. Following the screening, dive into an exclusive panel discussion with the film’s lead animation director, Tony Tarantini, and legendary animator Willie Ito.
The morning continues with another inspiring film: Heart Mountain Voices: Connecting Communities with Digital Stories. This powerful short film brings together five students, Japanese American and Indigenous youth, to explore their shared heritage through the lens of digital storytelling. Witness how this cross-cultural collaboration bridges history, identity, and the deep connections we all share to the land.
Multigenerational Discussion Groups
In the afternoon, it’s time for small, intimate gatherings that spark open dialogue, personal storytelling, and deep curiosity. These meaningful conversations create space for reflection, connection, and shared experiences across generations. Be sure to sign up when you register to secure your spot in a group.
Afterward, for those looking to reflect and process the day’s emotions, join Dr. Midori Samson’s Art Healing Workshop, where creativity becomes a powerful tool for healing and connection.
To wrap up the day, discover how you can create a lasting legacy and help sustain the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation for generations to come. This insightful session, led by financial experts and enriched with heartfelt testimonials from board members and donors, will explore ways to make a meaningful impact on the future.
Get ready for a day of inspiration, storytelling, and community!
Saturday, July 26th
The day kicks off with an electrifying Opening Ceremony, featuring the powerful drumming and singing of Johnny Tim Yellowtail and family. Feel the energy as we honor tradition with a flag ceremony and the national anthem, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.
Morning adventures await! Explore the historic Heart Mountain site with guided tours of the barrack, memorial park, and hospital complex. Then, gather under the big tent for a delicious catered lunch buffet, where we’ll celebrate extraordinary individuals with the Compassionate Witness Award and the Douglas Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. As a moment of remembrance, Dr. Duncan Ryūken Williams will deliver a moving tribute to those who passed while incarcerated at camp.
The afternoon brings inspiration! Join us in the new Mineta-Simpson lecture space for an unforgettable presentation by former incarceree Sam Mihara, the 51st Jefferson Lecturer for the National Endowment for the Humanities. His storytelling and insights will leave a lasting impact.
Sam Mihara: 51st NEH Jefferson Lecturer in the Humanities
The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation is incredibly proud of former incarceree Sam Mihara for being honored as this year’s Jefferson Lecturer and for using his platform to shed light on the story of incarceration. He will be presenting his renowned lecture to audiences at this year’s Pilgrimage.
Established by the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1972, the lecture is the highest honor the federal government confers for distinguished intellectual achievement in the humanities. Mihara is the first Japanese American to give the lecture, a survivor of the WWII Heart Mountain incarceration camp, the oldest recipient of the honor at 91, and the only former rocket scientist. Delivering his lecture for only the second time, you won’t want to miss it at the site where it happened.
Then, it’s time to celebrate! The evening kicks off with a lively cocktail reception, where you can sip, mingle, and place your bids in the silent auction. The night continues with the Sayonara Banquet, a final dinner shared with friends and family, filled with laughter, reflection, and community. And don’t forget—make sure to get your last bids in before the silent auction closes!
A weekend of history, heart, and celebration—this is one you won’t want to miss!
SATURDAY SITE TOURS:
Hospital
When it opened in 1942, the hospital complex on top of the hill could care for up to 150 patients. The hospital’s boiler house chimney is one of the most iconic structures of the former incarceration site. Explore the medical experiences of incarcerees at this original structure.
Memorial & Honor Roll
The Honor Roll lists all Heart Mountain incarcerees who served in the military during WWII (as well as WWI and the Korean War). After hearing about this structure, participants will have the opportunity to tour the Setsuko Saito Higuchi Memorial Walking Trail, which features images and facts about the original layout of the confinement site.
Barrack
Learn about life and camp experiences in the barrack setting. This original barrack building was brought back to Heart Mountain in 2015 and has been undergoing restoration work since then.
Sayonara Banquet:
After three days of sharing, learning, discussing, and exploring, enjoy a final evening of socializing by catching up with old friends and solidifying new friendships made throughout the event at a cocktail reception, the Sayonara Banquet, and a dessert buffet!
Silent Auction Donations:
We are collecting donations for the silent auction! Perhaps you have a treasure from Japan that you would like to pass on, frequent-flyer miles, a piece of artwork, or an experience to sponsor/offer—any of these items would be greatly appreciated in this year’s auction.
To donate an item, please email a photo and description of the item to Rebecca McKinley at rebecca@heartmountain.org. Don’t forget to include your contact information! Rebecca will get back to you with additional information. We would like to offer a broad selection of items to make the auction successful. Please help us carry on this worthwhile Pilgrimage tradition. We appreciate your continued support!
General Information:
Local Area Medical Resources:
If you need a pharmacy or over-the-counter medication:
The most convenient pharmacy is at the Walgreens at 1585 Sheridan Ave in downtown Cody, just across from the Holiday Inn. It’s open from 7:00am to 10:00pm and the pharmacy is open from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Other pharmacies in town are at Albertsons and Walmart.
If you need to visit a medical facility or speak to a doctor:
Cody Regional Health
707 Sheridan Ave
Open 24 Hours
307-527-7501
Billings Clinic
201 W. Yellowstone Ave
Open 8:00am – 5:00pm
Mon – Fri
307-527-7561
Thank you for helping us keep all of our participants, and especially our elders, safe during this special event!
Cancellation Policy:
No refunds will be given after the close of registration (July 1, 2025).
Archives & Collections Donations:
If you are considering bringing artifacts, documents or photographs from camp to the Pilgrimage for donation, please contact us beforehand at info@heartmountain.org or 307-754-8000
Travel Information:
Our host hotels in Cody are the Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, and Buffalo Bill Cabins. We have a discounted rate available at all of these locations.
Check out the map below to see the layout of this group of hotels:
(307-587-5555)
(307-587-5556)
(307-587-5544)
***If you plan to stay at any of the above hotels, please call them directly to make your booking and mention that you are attending the Heart Mountain Pilgrimage to take advantage of the discounted rate. If you book online, you will not be able to get the discount.
Please note: we have a block of rooms reserved until May 20 with these hotels. After that time, you may still be able to book a room, but we cannot guarantee availability. We recommend you book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Cody, Wyoming has an airport (named Yellowstone Regional Airport—COD) that is served by United Airlines with connecting flights through Denver, CO. The next closest airport is in Billings, Montana, which is approximately 90 minutes away by car. If you’re flying through Billings, you will need to make arrangements to rent a car at that airport as there is no public transportation between Billings and Cody.
For more information regarding travel arrangements for getting to and around Cody and Powell, Wyoming, you can visit www.codyyellowstone.org.