"Sitting in a dimly lit chise (an Ainu traditional house) during the early stages of this project an Ainu elder told me, “Do your best to understand and convey the Ainu spirit.” I keep trying."
Dr. Scott Harrison
Connecting Histories, Shaping Futures
"Sitting in a dimly lit chise (an Ainu traditional house) during the early stages of this project an Ainu elder told me, “Do your best to understand and convey the Ainu spirit.” I keep trying."
Dr. Scott Harrison
Connecting Histories, Shaping Futures
In this book, author Scott Harrison offers a comprehensive re-examination of the territorial conflict between Japan and Russia, commonly known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" issue. This work delves into the often-overlooked role of the Indigenous Ainu people, whose historical presence and rights have been overshadowed by prevailing Wajin (ethnic Japanese)-centric narratives. By exploring Ainu history and historiography, Harrison sheds light on the historical amnesia that has marginalized the Ainu's significance in this dispute, advocating for a more inclusive understanding that acknowledges their rightful place in the region's past and present.
In this book, author Scott Harrison offers a comprehensive re-examination of the territorial conflict between Japan and Russia, commonly known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" issue. This work delves into the often-overlooked role of the Indigenous Ainu people, whose historical presence and rights have been overshadowed by prevailing Wajin (ethnic Japanese)-centric narratives. By exploring Ainu history and historiography, Harrison sheds light on the historical amnesia that has marginalized the Ainu's significance in this dispute, advocating for a more inclusive understanding that acknowledges their rightful place in the region's past and present.
Key Insights
Harrison highlights that traditional narratives regarding the Northern Territories issue in Japan have largely centred on Wajin (ethnic Japanese) claims. This focus has resulted in a historical amnesia that marginalizes the significant role and rights of the Ainu in these territories. Exploring Ainu history and historiography emphasizes the need to de-nationalize historical discourse to include Indigenous perspectives, thereby challenging the standard nation-state-centric interpretations of the dispute.
Harrison advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of the Northern Territories dispute. He posits that reliance solely on nation-state-centric historical analysis is insufficient, suggesting that integrating insights from anthropology, ecology, political science, international relations, and law is essential to fully grasp the Indigenous dimensions of such conflicts. This comprehensive perspective not only enriches the discourse surrounding the territorial dispute but also emphasizes the broader imperative of including Indigenous experiences and perspectives in academic and policy discussions and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Key Insights
Harrison highlights that traditional narratives regarding the Northern Territories issue in Japan have largely centred on Wajin (ethnic Japanese) claims. This focus has resulted in a historical amnesia that marginalizes the significant role and rights of the Ainu in these territories. Exploring Ainu history and historiography emphasizes the need to de-nationalize historical discourse to include Indigenous perspectives, thereby challenging the standard nation-state-centric interpretations of the dispute.
Harrison advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of the Northern Territories dispute. He posits that reliance solely on nation-state-centric historical analysis is insufficient, suggesting that integrating insights from anthropology, ecology, political science, international relations, and law is essential to fully grasp the Indigenous dimensions of such conflicts. This comprehensive perspective not only enriches the discourse surrounding the territorial dispute but also emphasizes the broader imperative of including Indigenous experiences and perspectives in academic and policy discussions and dispute resolution mechanisms.
View Article
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this was the first (or one of the first) academic effort to retell the narrative of the Northern Territories/Southern Kurils issue by foregrounding Ainu history, views, perspectives, and written documentation. This project would not have been possible without the generosity, support, and encouragement of many Ainu people and organizations, alongside academic and non-academic partners and mentors. The words of the late and great Ishihara Makoto, the owner of the Sapporo-do bookstore, still echo in my mind. He often said things such as, “This will be a first, so be sure to get it right.” All I can say now is that I gave it my all at the time with my given resources.
Scott Harrison. The Indigenous Ainu and the Northern Territories Dispute: Historical Dislocation and Relocation. VDM Publishers, 2008. 168 pp.
View Article
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this was the first (or one of the first) academic effort to retell the narrative of the Northern Territories/Southern Kurils issue by foregrounding Ainu history, views, perspectives, and written documentation. This project would not have been possible without the generosity, support, and encouragement of many Ainu people and organizations, alongside academic and non-academic partners and mentors. The words of the late and great Ishihara Makoto, the owner of the Sapporo-do bookstore, still echo in my mind. He often said things such as, “This will be a first, so be sure to get it right.” All I can say now is that I gave it my all at the time with my given resources.
Scott Harrison. The Indigenous Ainu and the Northern Territories Dispute: Historical Dislocation and Relocation. VDM Publishers, 2008. 168 pp.
Latest projects
Asia/Indo-Pacific
Japan-Canada Research and Policy Network
Exploring new horizons in trade, diplomacy, media and innovation
Asia/Indo-Pacific
Japan-Canada Research and Policy Network
Exploring new horizons in trade, diplomacy, media and innovation
Indigenous Internationalism
Indigenous Reconciliation in Canada, Taiwan, and Japan
Cross-Pacific Indigenous connections, cultural revitalization, policy reform, and pathways to justice
Indigenous Internationalism
Indigenous Reconciliation in Canada, Taiwan, and Japan
Cross-Pacific Indigenous connections, cultural revitalization, policy reform, and pathways to justice
Latest projects
Asia/Indo-Pacific
Japan-Canada Research and Policy Network
Exploring new horizons in trade, diplomacy, media and innovation
Indigenous Internationalism
Indigenous Reconciliation in Canada, Taiwan, and Japan
Cross-Pacific Indigenous connections, cultural revitalization, policy reform, and pathways to justice
