uaynukor: environmental activism from an Ainu perspective (S07 E10)

How do our identity and community shape what it means to be an activist? How can we be peacebuilders in creative ways and in daily life? Despite disproportionately facing the effects of environmental degradation, young indigenous people from across the world are leading the way in advocating for the revitalisation of their heritage and environmental protection through creative practices. In this episode, we are joined by Maya Sekine, an activist of Ainu heritage who works to promote Ainu culture in Japan and around the world, as well as Dr. Vince Okada, Assistant Professor of Social Work at the Hawai’i Pacific University, who assisted with translation for the episode. We explore Maya’s journey to becoming an advocate and teacher of Ainu culture, her reflections on her identity, intergenerational partnership through sharing and passing down local knowledge, as well as the importance of mutual respect, or uaynukor in Ainu. You can tune in to this episode either in English or in Japanese. 🔗 You can find Maya on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@userhttps://www.youtube.com/@user-sg7qz4sh8p/featured The Peace Corner Podcast is an initiative of GPPAC, CSPPS and UNOY Peacebuilders