A Symposium Uniting Indigenous Perspectives on Resilience and Revitalization of the Ryukyus

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: The Peoples Forum, Paul Robeson Theater
320 West 37th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues) New York, NY 10018
Join Virtually: We also hope to live-stream the event, we will update the link here when we have it.
Cost: Free to attend in-person or virtually. However, donations are graciously accepted. (All donations will be split evenly between ACSILs & Ichariba Choodee Podcast).

Join us for a thought-provoking and enlightening symposium hosted by ACSILs and Ichariba Choodee Podcast where we delve into the diversity of Ryukyuan culture, the pressing issues facing the Indigenous communities, and how activists are engaging in meaningful movement work. This event is a side event to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).

The event will begin with an opening cultural performance featuring music and song by Brazilian-Ryukyuan artist, Victor Kinjo. Following the performance, we will delve into a short screening that will share the current state of water quality in Okinawa and the PFOs/PFAs (forever chemicals). We will then shift into a series of updates from the UNPFII attendees & friends who will share insights and updates within their areas of expertise: Lex McClellan-Ufugusuku, Shinako Oyakawa (Revitalization of endangered Ryukyuan languages), Mariko Middleton and guest Co Lewis (Hajichi Revitalization within Ryukyuan Diaspora).

This event promises to be an enlightening and thought-provoking experience, providing a platform for dialogue and action on issues pertinent to Okinawan indigenous communities. Please join us!