Michelle Day is the Executive Director of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta. In 2021 the Lethbridge and District Japanese Garden Society open the doors to a new Cultural Centre which was their largest expansion since opening their gates as a Centennial project in 1967.
With a passion of learning culture as a graduate of Anthropology from the University of Lethbridge,
Michelle led the City of Lethbridge in Canada’s 150th celebrations in 2017, which included the Garden being recognized as a designated Municipal and Provincial historical resource. In line with these celebrations, Michelle and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden hosted Her Imperial Highness, Princess Ayako of Takamado for the 50thAnniversary of the Garden.
Michelle has many years of volunteerism in various dimensions throughout the Province of Alberta and currently is President of Lethbridge Tourism and serving on the Executive for the North America Japanese Garden Association. She is passionate about ensuring Garden’s are reflecting the community that nurtures them which makes Garden tourism a valuable key player in tourism development for our local communities.