Coming off the sesquicentennial of the Meiji Restoration in 2018, the 2018-2019 Academic Year marks another significant 150th anniversary in Japanese history: that of the settler colonization of the northern island of Hokkaidō, or Ainu Moshir as it was known to the Indigenous Ainu peoples. In the spirit of continuing the national moments of commemoration that occasioned Canada 150 and Meiji at 150, the Centre for Japanese Research proudly presents “Hokkaidō 150: Settler Colonialism and Indigeneity in Modern Japan and Beyond.” This event will mark the 150th anniversary of the 1869 incorporation of the island of Ainu Moshir, by gathering academics, artists, musicians, and community members from Japan, Canada, and the United States to revisit shared histories of settler colonialism. We invite members of the UBC and larger Vancouver community to reflect on the history of settler colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples, while celebrating the local culture, art, and music of BC and Hokkaidō as we renew our mutual commitment to international cooperation and Truth and Reconciliation.
Indigenous music from Hokkaidō and British Columbia
Join us for a special evening of Indigenous music featuring Ainu singers Mayunkiki and Tomoe Yahata from Hokkaidō, and Haida singer Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson with Bill Henderson, Claire Lawrence, Jodi Proznick, Saffron Henderson and Camille Henderson from British Columbia. The Ainu peoples are Indigenous to the Hokkaidō island of Japan and the Sakhalin and Kuril Islands of Russia and singing is a main feature of Ainu music.
Click here for more information.
About the Presenter
Mayunkiki Born in Asahikawa, Hokkaidō, Mayunkiki is a member of Marewrew, a female Ainu quartet singing traditional Ainu songs since 2008. She is also an instructor of the Ainu language.
Tomoe Yahata Born in Shiraoi, Hokkaidō, Tomoe is a curator at the National Ainu Museum (to open in 2020) as well as a singer and dancer, who is committed to introducing Ainu cultures.
Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson Born and raised in Haida Gwaii, BC, Terri-Lynn has dedicated herself to the continuation of Haida culture. She is a Haida musician, artist, and lawyer, well known for her work in aboriginal-environmental law and as a recognized keeper of traditions.
Files
