"One of the many aims of this project is to shift away from the dominant paradigm in many fields of study that is confined to or excessively focused on nation-state histories. Instead, it seeks to highlight social and political movements that transcend state borders and shape how states behave."
Dr. Scott Harrison
Connecting Histories, Shaping Futures
"One of the many aims of this project is to shift away from the dominant paradigm in many fields of study that is confined to or excessively focused on nation-state histories. Instead, it seeks to highlight social and political movements that transcend state borders and shape how states behave."
Dr. Scott Harrison
Connecting Histories, Shaping Futures
This cross-disciplinary, collaborative, multiyear project delves into the overlooked legacies of Indigenous transnational activism and diplomacy, focusing on East Asia. Two examples included pivotal journeys undertaken by Ainu delegates from Japan and First Nations representatives from British Columbia to China during the mid-1970s. These encounters with China's ethnic minorities profoundly influenced the delegates, inspiring them to envision and implement novel forms of activism upon their return and continually pursue international engagement and diplomatic endeavours to pursue rights, recognition, and justice. Scott Harrison’s contributions to this project focus on Japan and Canada-related aspects, including detailed international research, archival work, interviewing delegates and family members, and writing.
This cross-disciplinary, collaborative, multiyear project delves into the overlooked legacies of Indigenous transnational activism and diplomacy, focusing on East Asia. Two examples included pivotal journeys undertaken by Ainu delegates from Japan and First Nations representatives from British Columbia to China during the mid-1970s. These encounters with China's ethnic minorities profoundly influenced the delegates, inspiring them to envision and implement novel forms of activism upon their return and continually pursue international engagement and diplomatic endeavours to pursue rights, recognition, and justice. Scott Harrison’s contributions to this project focus on Japan and Canada-related aspects, including detailed international research, archival work, interviewing delegates and family members, and writing.
Key Insights
Cross-cultural exchanges and travels have profoundly influenced Indigenous political and social movements. Shared learning about policies, rights, and cultural preservation efforts across nation-state borders often promotes renewed Indigenous-led strategies and initiatives for Indigenous justice and self-determination. The mid-1970s international Indigenous delegation travels in East Asia and Canada highlight the agency of Indigenous communities in actively shaping their futures and contributing to global discourses on decolonization.
By highlighting these historical instances of proactive trans-Pacific engagement in international diplomacy and activism, the project underscores the agency of Indigenous communities in shaping global narratives, engaging in collective and individual actions across legal, political, and economic landscapes, and advocating for their rights on the world stage.
Key Insights
Cross-cultural exchanges and travels have profoundly influenced Indigenous political and social movements. Shared learning about policies, rights, and cultural preservation efforts across nation-state borders often promotes renewed Indigenous-led strategies and initiatives for Indigenous justice and self-determination. The mid-1970s international Indigenous delegation travels in East Asia and Canada highlight the agency of Indigenous communities in actively shaping their futures and contributing to global discourses on decolonization.
By highlighting these historical instances of proactive trans-Pacific engagement in international diplomacy and activism, the project underscores the agency of Indigenous communities in shaping global narratives, engaging in collective and individual actions across legal, political, and economic landscapes, and advocating for their rights on the world stage.
View Article
Please visit the website for more information and to connect with the collaborators of the Transnationally Indigenous project.
Transnationally Indigenous
View Article
Please visit the website for more information and to connect with the collaborators of the Transnationally Indigenous project.
Transnationally Indigenous
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
