{"id":4634,"date":"2025-12-16T13:50:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T04:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/?post_type=event_post&#038;p=4634"},"modified":"2026-11-01T17:01:43","modified_gmt":"2026-11-01T08:01:43","slug":"symposium20260207","status":"publish","type":"event_post","link":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/event\/symposium20260207\/","title":{"rendered":"1st International Indigenous Museums Symposium \u201cIndigenous \u00d7 Museum\u201d \u2014 Collaboration, Dialogue, and Reimagination \u2014"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"aligncenter post_thumb wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_1bdf563fc437b1b42bbd47e8ab84362e.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_1bdf563fc437b1b42bbd47e8ab84362e.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_1bdf563fc437b1b42bbd47e8ab84362e-800x420.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_1bdf563fc437b1b42bbd47e8ab84362e-768x403.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This inaugural \u201cInternational Indigenous Museums Symposium\u201d brings together directors of six Indigenous museums from places currently called the United States, Australia, Finland, and Japan to discuss the complex and sensitive relationship between Indigenous Peoples and museums. In recent years, museums around the world have seen active discussion on the handling of collections linked to colonial past, the importance of perspective in exhibitions, and questions of research ethics. Meanwhile, museums founded by Indigenous Peoples have been serving their communities as spaces for practicing cultural knowledge and as important repositories of memory. The theme \u201cIndigenous \u00d7 Museums\u201d is not only about reclaiming a lost past, but about how Indigenous Peoples are bringing new perspectives and renewed meaning to museums today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the two days of discussion, guided by the key concepts of \u201ccollaboration, dialogue, and reimagination,\u201d the symposium will address the complexity and sensitivity of Indigenous museums, as well as their significance, responsibilities, and future roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns top-btn-wrapper is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button top-btn-wrapper aligncenter is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-theme-black-color has-text-color wp-element-button\" href=\"#overview\" style=\"border-radius:8px\">Overview<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-theme-black-color has-text-color wp-element-button\" href=\"#program\" style=\"border-radius:8px\">Programs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter is-style-outline is-style-outline--3\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-theme-black-color has-text-color wp-element-button\" href=\"#profile\" style=\"border-radius:8px\">Panelists<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"overview\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Date, Time &amp; Venue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">February 7 (Sat), 2026 10:00am \u2013 4:30pm<br>Conference Room, National Ainu Museum (Capacity: 150)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\">This venue is nearly full. Participants arriving after the start time may be required to stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">February 8 (Sun), 2026 1:00pm \u2013 4:30pm<br>Cultural Exchange Hall, Upopoy National Ainu Museum &amp; Park (Capacity: 250)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free of Charge<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-footnote has-x-small-font-size\">\n<li>Priority for reservations. <a href=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/guide\/admission\/\">Upopoy admission<\/a> required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/guide\/admission\/#yearpass\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/guide\/admission\/#yearpass\">One-Year Pass<\/a> recommended for two-day attendance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japanese \u2013 English simultaneous interpretation (both days)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Organized by<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">National Ainu Museum<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Supported by<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Finnish Institute in Japan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Nominally supported by<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ainu Association of Hokkaido<br>Australian Embassy Japan<br>The U.S. Consulate General, Sapporo<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Panelists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Taina M\u00e1ret Pieski (Director) and Eija Ojanlatva (Chief Curator) , The S\u00e1mi Museum Siida<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dr. Cynthia Chavez Lamar (Director), National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leonard Hill (CEO), the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special Guest-Panelists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Haruto Kawamura (Director) and Hisae Kawamura (Deputy Director), Kawamura Kaneto Aynu Museum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shiro Kayano (Director), Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kimihiro Kayano (Owner and CEO), Guest House Nibutani Yanto \/ Nibutani Works Inc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Host<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Masahiro Nomoto (Executive Director), National Ainu Museum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Director_Taina_Pieski-768x614-1-400x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4650\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Taina M\u00e1ret Pieski<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1368\" height=\"1368\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Eija-profile.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Eija-profile.jpg 1368w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Eija-profile-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Eija-profile-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Eija-profile-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1368px) 100vw, 1368px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Eija Ojanlatva<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Headshot_Chavez_Lamar-400x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4652\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cynthia Chavez Lamar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Leonard_Hill_Headshot-768x614-1-400x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4672\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leonard Hill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Haruto Kawamura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1595\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1.jpg 1595w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1-798x800.jpg 798w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1-768x770.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1-1531x1536.jpg 1531w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1595px) 100vw, 1595px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hisae Kawamura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4671\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shiro Kayano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kimihiro Kayano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1601\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Masahiro Nomoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Registration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please register using the form below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-css\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSfdhfhUxNV-w54Ia6czYzY6XbDn1Dd-DIvV7Frl-K8bVFtjhg\/closedform\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Register Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-footnote\">\n<li class=\"has-x-small-font-size\">Walk-ins are accepted. Reservations will be prioritized once capacity is reached.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-red-color has-text-color has-x-small-font-size\">This venue is nearly full. Participants arriving after the start time may be required to stand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"program\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>February 7 (Sat), 2026 10:00am \u2013 4:30pm<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1068\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_a5d212edefa9cb0df6354cc6ab1a89c7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_a5d212edefa9cb0df6354cc6ab1a89c7.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_a5d212edefa9cb0df6354cc6ab1a89c7-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_a5d212edefa9cb0df6354cc6ab1a89c7-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_a5d212edefa9cb0df6354cc6ab1a89c7-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Venue: Conference Room, National Ainu Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10:00am \u2013 11:30am Session 1: \u201cCollaboration Between Museums and Communities\u201d<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Presentation 1: Introduction of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)<br>Dr. Cynthia Chavez Lamar (Director)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Presentation 2: Introduction of the Kawamura Kaneto Aynu Museum<br>Haruto Kawamura (Director), Hisae Kawamura (Deputy Director)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1:00pm \u2013 2:30pm Session 2: \u201cDialogues between Collections and People\u201d<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Presentation 1: Introduction of AIATSIS<br>Leonard Hill (CEO)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Presentation 2: Introduction of the Kyano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum<br>Kayano Shiro (Director)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3:00pm \u2013 4:30pm<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Session 3:&nbsp;\u201cReimagining a Regional Museum as a National Institution\u201d<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Presentation 1: Introduction of the S\u00e1mi Museum Siida<br>Taina M\u00e1ret Pieski (Director), Eija Ojanlatva (Chief Curator)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Presentation 2: From Porotokotan to Upopoy National Ainu Museum<br>Masahiro Nomoto (Director)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>February 8 (Sun), 2026 1:00pm \u2013 4:30pm<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_3767ba15c8c60c15cf93349b0ff03acb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4641\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_3767ba15c8c60c15cf93349b0ff03acb.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_3767ba15c8c60c15cf93349b0ff03acb-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_3767ba15c8c60c15cf93349b0ff03acb-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_3767ba15c8c60c15cf93349b0ff03acb-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Venue: Cultural Exchange Hall, Upopoy National Ainu Museum &amp; Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11:00am \u2013 11:30am \/ 12:00pm \u2013 12:30pm Traditional Ainu Dance Performance: Shiranuka &amp; Kushiro<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1:00pm\u3000Opening Messages<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1:30pm \u2013 2:50pm\u3000Panel 1: Collaboration, Dialogue, Renewal: Case Studies from National Indigenous Museums Around the World<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bringing together three national Indigenous museums, this panel discusses how the relationship between \u201cIndigenous \u00d7 Museums\u201d can be understood today\u2014its significance, its responsibilities, and its future. Through case studies centered on collaboration, dialogue, and renewal, the international guests will share how their institutions are responding to these questions, opening a discussion with domestic guests on what it means to carry this work forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Presentations: Dr. Cynthia Chavez Lamar (Director, National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)), Leonard Hill (CEO, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)), Taina M\u00e1ret Pieski (Director, the S\u00e1mi Museum Siida)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commentators: Haruto Kawamura, Hisae Kawamura (Director and Deputy Director, Kawamura Kako Ainu Memorial Museum), Kimihiro Kayano (Guest House Nibutani Yanto \/ Nibutani Works Co., Ltd.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2:50pm \u2013 3:00pm<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Break (10 min)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3:00pm \u2013 3:50pm\u3000Panel 2: What Matters to Us: Perspectives for Indigenous Museums<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the three days leading up to the symposium, each guest has spent time in conversation with Upopoy staff members\u2014many of whom are cultural bearers themselves. Building on these exchanges, this panel will explore the issues that feel most urgent and meaningful for Indigenous museums today, opening a shared discussion on what truly matters in their ongoing work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Discussion Participants: Cynthia Chavez Lamar, Leonard Hill, Taina M\u00e1ret Pieski, Eija Ojanlatva, Haruto Kawamura, Hisae Kawamura, Kimihiro Kayano<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3:50 pm \u2013 4:30pm\u3000Shared Reflections<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On February 7 and 8, several events including special performances by the Ainu Cultural Preservation Society will take place alongside the symposium. For more information, please refer to the<a href=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\">&nbsp;Upopoy website (information currently available in Japanese only)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"profile\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Panelists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The S\u00e1mi Museum Siida<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Director_Taina_Pieski-768x614-1-400x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4650\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Taina M\u00e1ret Pieski&nbsp;<br>Director, the S\u00e1mi Museum Siida<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1368\" height=\"1368\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Eija-profile.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Eija-profile.jpg 1368w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Eija-profile-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Eija-profile-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Eija-profile-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1368px) 100vw, 1368px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Eija Ojanlatva<br>Chief Curator, the S\u00e1mi Museum Siida.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taina M\u00e1ret Pieski is the Director of the S\u00e1mi Museum Siida in Inari, Finland. Pieski has extensive experience in different leadership positions, including roles in various ministries of the Finnish Government and as the Mayor of Utsjoki, the northernmost municipality in the EU. Siida has undergone significant renovations and expansions, enhancing its exhibitions and facilities to better serve S\u00e1mi people, the wider public, and to preserve S\u00e1mi heritage. The work of Siida has attracted broad international interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eija Ojanlatva is the Chief Curator at the S\u00e1mi Museum Siida. She specializes in S\u00e1mi cultural heritage, focusing on S\u00e1mi cultural environments, land use issues within the S\u00e1mi Homeland, and the repatriation and reburial of S\u00e1mi ancestors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S\u00e1mi people are the only recognized Indigenous people in the European Union. The S\u00e1mi Museum Siida is a national museum responsible for S\u00e1mi culture, and a regional museum responsible for tasks concerning cultural environments in the S\u00e1mi Area in Finland. Siida store the spiritual and material culture of the Finnish S\u00e1mi in the collections and display it in exhibitions and publications. The main purpose of Siida is to support the identity and the cultural self-esteem of the S\u00e1mi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The S\u00e1mi Museum Siida is the winner of the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) 2024, the Finnish Museum of the Year 2024 and the Europa Nostra award winner 2022. Named as European Museum of the Year, Siida marks a historic moment as the first museum in Finland to receive this recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Sami Siida and the National Ainu Museum renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2024, originally signed in 1984.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA2.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA2-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The S\u00e1mi Museum Siida<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA3.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA3-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The S\u00e1mi Museum Siida<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA1.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA1-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_SIIDA1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The S\u00e1mi Museum Siida<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Headshot_Chavez_Lamar-400x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4652\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dr. Cynthia Chavez Lamar<br>Director, National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Cynthia Chavez Lamar is the director of the Smithsonian\u2019s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI). She is the first Native woman to lead a Smithsonian museum, overseeing the NMAI on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., NMAI in New York City, and the Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, Maryland.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She is an accomplished curator, author, and scholar whose research interests are focused on Southwest Native American art and collaborative methodologies in museum practice. Dr. Chavez Lamar started her career at NMAI as an intern and later as an associate curator. She has also served as NMAI\u2019s assistant director for collections where she guided the overall stewardship of the museum\u2019s collection, which is one of the largest and most extensive collections of Native and Indigenous items in the world.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Chavez Lamar\u2019s indigenous heritage includes San Felipe Pueblo (New Mexico, USA), Hopi, Tewa, and Navajo. She has a bachelor\u2019s degree in studio art, a master\u2019s degree in American Indian studies, and a PhD in American studies from the University of New Mexico. In 2008, she received an honorary doctorate from Colorado College for her museum field contributions. In 2023, she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1068\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-DC_Photo-by-Matailong-Du-for-the-National-Museum-of-the-American-Indian.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-DC_Photo-by-Matailong-Du-for-the-National-Museum-of-the-American-Indian.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-DC_Photo-by-Matailong-Du-for-the-National-Museum-of-the-American-Indian-534x800.jpg 534w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-DC_Photo-by-Matailong-Du-for-the-National-Museum-of-the-American-Indian-768x1151.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-DC_Photo-by-Matailong-Du-for-the-National-Museum-of-the-American-Indian-1025x1536.jpg 1025w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1068px) 100vw, 1068px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NMAI in Washington D.C.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1111\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-NY_Photo-by-David-Sundberg.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-NY_Photo-by-David-Sundberg.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-NY_Photo-by-David-Sundberg-800x556.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-NY_Photo-by-David-Sundberg-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-NY_Photo-by-David-Sundberg-1536x1067.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NMAI in New York City<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1054\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-CRC_Photo-by-National-Museum-of-the-American-Indian.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4681\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-CRC_Photo-by-National-Museum-of-the-American-Indian.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-CRC_Photo-by-National-Museum-of-the-American-Indian-800x527.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-CRC_Photo-by-National-Museum-of-the-American-Indian-768x506.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI-CRC_Photo-by-National-Museum-of-the-American-Indian-1536x1012.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cultural Resources Center, Maryland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_ap_paul_morigi_photo_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_ap_paul_morigi_photo_1.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_ap_paul_morigi_photo_1-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_ap_paul_morigi_photo_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_ap_paul_morigi_photo_1-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Americans<\/em>&nbsp;Exhibition in&nbsp;Washington D.C.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1081\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_ap_paul_morigi_photo_battle_of_little_bighorn_gallery.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4679\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_ap_paul_morigi_photo_battle_of_little_bighorn_gallery.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_ap_paul_morigi_photo_battle_of_little_bighorn_gallery-800x541.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_ap_paul_morigi_photo_battle_of_little_bighorn_gallery-768x519.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_ap_paul_morigi_photo_battle_of_little_bighorn_gallery-1536x1038.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Americans<\/em>&nbsp;Exhibition in&nbsp;Washington D.C.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1232\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_event-in-DC.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_event-in-DC.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_event-in-DC-800x616.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_event-in-DC-768x591.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_event-in-DC-1536x1183.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Event held at Washington D.C.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"987\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_06_installation_view_01_image_courtesy_cg_partners.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4676\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_06_installation_view_01_image_courtesy_cg_partners.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_06_installation_view_01_image_courtesy_cg_partners-800x494.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_06_installation_view_01_image_courtesy_cg_partners-768x474.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_06_installation_view_01_image_courtesy_cg_partners-1536x948.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Native New York&nbsp;<\/em>Exhibition in New York City<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1198\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_10_nmai-00212_image_courtesy_cg_partners.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_10_nmai-00212_image_courtesy_cg_partners.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_10_nmai-00212_image_courtesy_cg_partners-800x599.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_10_nmai-00212_image_courtesy_cg_partners-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_NMAI_10_nmai-00212_image_courtesy_cg_partners-1536x1150.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Native New York&nbsp;<\/em>Exhibition in New York City<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_Leonard_Hill_Headshot-768x614-1-400x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4672\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leonard Hill<br>Chief Executive Officer, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leonard is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and an Indigenous man from the Ngemba nation from North-west New South Wales.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leonard has held a number of Senior Executive Service (SES) Officer roles in a long public service (civil service) career including Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer at AIATSIS; Executive Director, Collections Services Group at AIATSIS, and Assistant Secretary Culture Branch, The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leonard has been involved in and led a number of Australian Government Delegations on International engagements, most recently in relation to repatriation and participation in cultural, diplomatic, and bilateral activities, including to Japan, the USA, Mexico, Guatemala and the UK.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other international delegations include to France, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, Vietnam and the United Nations including leading the Australian delegation to the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous peoples (UN EMRIP) in Geneva in 2018. Leonard also led an AIATSIS delegation to Mexico in September 2019 to discuss Indigenous Policy and culture as it relates to National cultural and collecting Institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leonard holds vocational qualifications in Small Business Management, Indigenous Land Management and Training and Assessment, as well as Post Graduate qualifications in Business Administration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"757\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_200917_GBlue_Mavic2Pro_0849-Pano_Lge-1600x757-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_200917_GBlue_Mavic2Pro_0849-Pano_Lge-1600x757-1.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_200917_GBlue_Mavic2Pro_0849-Pano_Lge-1600x757-1-800x379.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_200917_GBlue_Mavic2Pro_0849-Pano_Lge-1600x757-1-768x363.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_200917_GBlue_Mavic2Pro_0849-Pano_Lge-1600x757-1-1536x727.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maraga, AIATSIS Canberra<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_CA.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_CA.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_CA-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_CA-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_CA-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">AIATSIS Mparntwe Central Australia Facility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS__23V9702.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS__23V9702.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS__23V9702-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS__23V9702-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS__23V9702-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Stanner special exhibition at Maraga, AIATSIS Canberra<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1060\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS-Library-reading-room_03.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS-Library-reading-room_03.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS-Library-reading-room_03-800x530.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS-Library-reading-room_03-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS-Library-reading-room_03-1536x1018.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Stanner Reading Room at Maraga, AIATSIS Canberra<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_OeclipseAiatsis1.2-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_OeclipseAiatsis1.2-2.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_OeclipseAiatsis1.2-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_OeclipseAiatsis1.2-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_OeclipseAiatsis1.2-2-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An artwork exhibition at the AIATSIS Mparntwe Central Australia Facility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1068\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_G4A5768-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_G4A5768-2.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_G4A5768-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_G4A5768-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_AIATSIS_G4A5768-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Digitization equipment at the AIATSIS Mparntwe Central Australia Facility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Kawamura Kaneto Aynu Museum<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-haruto-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Haruto Kawamura&nbsp;<br>Director, Kawamura Kaneto Aynu Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1595\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1.jpg 1595w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1-798x800.jpg 798w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1-768x770.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-hisae-1595x1600-1-1531x1536.jpg 1531w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1595px) 100vw, 1595px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hisae Kawamura&nbsp;<br>Deputy Director, Kawamura Kaneto Aynu Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Haruto Kawamura Director, Kawamura Kaneto Aynu Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Haruto became the fourth director of the museum in 2023, coinciding with the completion of the new museum building. Since 2021, he has studied traditional woodcarving techniques and ceremonial practices, and in 2022 participated in the construction of a traditional cise in Asahikawa Arashiyama. In preparation for the 2023 opening, he created the museum\u2019s totem pole and supporting pillars with other community members. He is currently engaged in a wide range of cultural transmission activities, including demonstrations of traditional Ainu dance, school visits, and the study of Ainu plant knowledge. In 2025, he performed Traditional Ainu Dance as part of a stage at the Osaka\u2013Kansai Expo 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hisae Kawamura Deputy Director, Kawamura Kaneto Aynu Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Born in Tokyo, Hisae moved to Asahikawa in 1994 and working at the museum. She took part in the 2000 iomante held at the museum and became deputy director in 2005. Since then, she has worked across many areas, including the construction of traditional cise, organizing ecotours in Kamui Kotan, founding the Pirka Ureska cultural group, hosting parent\u2013child Ainu language classes, and performing as a member of the Ainu vocal group Marewrew, with which she continues to be active. In 2008, she brought the choral drama Kaneto that traces the life of Kaneto Kawamura, at the Asahikawa Civic Culture Hall. She led the museum\u2019s 100th-anniversary projects in 2016 and received the Asahikawa Tourism Encouragement Award in 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kawamura Kaneto Aynu Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Founded in 1916, the Kawamura Kaneto Aynu Museum is the oldest Ainu museum in Japan and will celebrate its 110th anniversary in 2026. The museum was named by its founder, Kawamura Itakishiroma, after his son Kaneto, who later became its second director. Ken\u2019ichi Kawamura succeeded him as the third director, and in 2023, Haruto became the fourth director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The museum was established amid the broader social changes in the Asahikawa\u2013Chikabumi area, where a military garrison was built and Wajin settlement expanded. During this time, Ainu communities in the kotan were already experiencing hardship under restrictive colonial policies. Wajin visitors increasingly came to observe the kotan, regarding the residents\u2014and even local schoolchildren\u2014with a curious and often cold gaze. In response, Itakishiroma, a leader of the kotan, began collecting and publicly exhibiting Ainu cultural materials, an effort that formed the foundation of the museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, the museum functions not only as a place for preserving collections and presenting exhibitions, but also as a center for education, ceremony, and community gathering. A traditional&nbsp;<em>cise<\/em>&nbsp;(house) stands on the premises and is open for visitors. In addition to exhibitions, the museum offers hands-on learning opportunities\u2014such as trying traditional attire, mukkuri (mouth harp) workshops, and performances of songs and dances\u2014for schools and community groups. A new museum building was completed in 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1286\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-exhibition01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-exhibition01.jpg 1286w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-exhibition01-643x800.jpg 643w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-exhibition01-768x956.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-exhibition01-1235x1536.jpg 1235w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1286px) 100vw, 1286px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Recreation of the Iomante Altar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-exhibition02.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-exhibition02.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-exhibition02-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-exhibition02-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-exhibition02-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Exhibition of Wooden Bear Sculptures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1199\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-oldmuseum.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-oldmuseum.jpg 1199w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-oldmuseum-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-oldmuseum-768x1025.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-oldmuseum-1151x1536.jpg 1151w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1199px) 100vw, 1199px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Entrance of the former building.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-newmuseum.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-newmuseum.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-newmuseum-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-newmuseum-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-newmuseum-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The New Building, Opened in 2023<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-cise02.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-cise02.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-cise02-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-cise02-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-cise02-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traditional cise (house) with bamboo thatch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-cise01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-cise01.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-cise01-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-cise01-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kawamura-cise01-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Inside the cise (house)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4671\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-profile-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shiro Kayano&nbsp;<br>Director, Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Born in April 1958 in Nibutani, Biratori, where he was also raised. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at Asia University in 1981, and later completed the Museum Curator Certification Program at Bukkyo University\u2019s distance education division in 1990, becoming a certified curator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He began his career in 1988 as a staff member of the Nibutani Ainu Language Class and became its Secretariat Director in 1992. In the same year, he was appointed Deputy Director and Curator of the Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum, and has served as its Director since April 1, 2006.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum traces its origins to the \u201cNibutani Ainu Culture Museum,\u201d founded in 1972. The museum and its collection were transferred to Biratori Town in 1977, after which it operated as a town-run institution for fifteen years. In 1991, the newly established Biratori Town Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum opened by the Nibutani Dam reservoir, and its entire collection was moved there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The original museum building was then reopened in March 1992 as the \u201cKayano Shigeru Ainu Memorial,\u201d featuring a new collection of Ainu tools gathered and produced by Shigeru Kayano. It was later renamed the \u201cKayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum.\u201d In February&nbsp;2002,&nbsp;a total of 1,121 items\u2014202 from the museum and 919 from the Biratori Town Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum\u2014were collectively designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shigeru Kayano served as the museum\u2019s first director (1992\u20132006), followed by Shir\u014d Kayano, who has held the position since April 2006.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-museum.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4670\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-museum.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-museum-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-museum-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-museum-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-kimono.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-kimono.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-kimono-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-kimono-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-kimono-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Exhibits of Traditional Clothes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-altar.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-altar.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-altar-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-altar-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-altar-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Replica of an alter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-enmusubi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-enmusubi.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-enmusubi-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-enmusubi-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-shiro-enmusubi-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Matchmaking Stone on the Premises<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Guest House Nibutani Yanto<\/strong>&nbsp;\/&nbsp;<strong>Nibutani Works Inc.<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-profile-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kimihiro Kayano&nbsp;<br>Owner, Guest House Nibutani Yanto<br>CEO, Nibutani Works Inc.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Born in 1988 in Nibutani, Hokkaido. Influenced from an early age by his grandfather, Shigeru Kayano\u2014widely known as a leading Ainu cultural bearer\u2014he grew up immersed in traditional customs and values. After graduating from junior high school, he left Nibutani to pursue further studies and lived in a student dormitory. At age 20, he moved to Kanagawa Prefecture, where he worked as a mechanical designer while broadening his perspective through backpacking trips during his holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At 24, motivated by a desire to carry forward his Ainu cultural heritage and contribute to his home community, he returned to Nibutani. Drawing on his travel experiences, he opened&nbsp;Guesthouse&nbsp;Nibutani Yanto in 2018, after completing an English-language study program in the Philippines and a working holiday in Australia to prepare for the operation. He saved funds after returning to Japan and finally established the guesthouse at age 29, envisioning it as a welcoming hub for international travelers as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the COVID-19 pandemic, a sharp decline in guests prompted the creation of Nibutani Works, a small manufacturing business founded with five co-investors. In collaboration with designers based in Sapporo, the company produces and sells original items\u2014woodcrafts, apparel, towels, and other products\u2014drawing inspiration from Ainu culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the summer of 2024, inspired by a documentary film by Daisuke Muramoto, he also began performing stand-up comedy as a way to spark broader public engagement with social issues. He is currently expanding his expressive practice with the future goal of performing in the United States.He is a father of two children. His wife is the singer Rie Kayano.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-comedian.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-comedian.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-comedian-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-comedian-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-comedian-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Working as a Standup Comedian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-guesthouse.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-guesthouse.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-guesthouse-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-guesthouse-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-guesthouse-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Guest House Nibutani Yanto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1068\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks03.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks03.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks03-534x800.jpg 534w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks03-768x1151.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks03-1025x1536.jpg 1025w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1068px) 100vw, 1068px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Products of Nibutani Works Inc.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1068\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks02.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks02.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks02-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks02-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks02-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Products of Nibutani Works Inc.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1068\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks01.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks01-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks01-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_kayano-kimihiro-nibutaniworks01-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Products of Nibutani Works Inc.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>National Ainu Museum<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1601\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nomoto-profile-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Masahiro Nomoto<br>Executive Director, National Ainu Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mr. Nomoto was born in March 1963 in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, Japan. He has worked at the Porotokotan (formerly the Ainu Museum) since 1985. The Porotokotan was established and operated by the local Ainu of Shiraoi and laid the foundation for transmitting Ainu culture and developing cultural bearers. Mr. Nomoto worked as the head of the curatorial department here before being appointed Executive Director and Executive Board member of the former museum in 2012. Since 2012, he has been involved in conceptualizing the National Ainu Museum as a committee member. He was later appointed Director of the Cultural Promotion and Exchange Department of the UPOPOY National Ainu Museum and Park (the Foundation for Ainu Culture). After the institution\u2019s opening, he resumed his position as Deputy Executive Director of the UPOPOY National Ainu Museum and Park in 2023. He has also been a member of the Executive Board of the Foundation.&nbsp;In July 2025, Mr Nomoto was appointed Executive Director of the National Ainu Museum, becoming the first indigenous director of a national museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to his official position, Mr. Nomoto has been invited to serve as an expert on the planning and production of Ainu cultural exhibitions in Japan and abroad, in which he has crafted some of the artifacts himself. A notable example includes his participation in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History\u2019s special exhibition, \u201cAINU: Spirit of a Northern People\u201d (1999). Today, the Ainu trading ship itaomacip, is on permanent display in the museum\u2019s North Pacific Peoples\u2019Culture and Exchange section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mr. Nomoto is fondly known as retanrek, an Ainu nickname (ponre) used in UPOPOY.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">National Ainu Musem<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-exhibition01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4673\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-exhibition01.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-exhibition01-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-exhibition01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-exhibition01-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Exhibition of \u201cOur Work\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-exhibition02.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4674\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-exhibition02.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-exhibition02-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-exhibition02-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/2025symposium_nam-exhibition02-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Interactive Station \u201ctempatempa\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-css\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/Nt8baFDH5W2pV5Jo8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Register for the Symposium<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-list-footnote has-x-small-font-size\">\n<li>Walk-ins are accepted. Reservations will be prioritized once capacity is reached.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-theme-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\">This venue is nearly full. Participants arriving after the start time may be required to stand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-19dc99e3-d37d-409a-bedf-b1da5ff48ac5\" href=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/Flyer-IndigenousMuseumsSymposium.pdf\">Flyer-IndigenousMuseumsSymposium<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/10\/Flyer-IndigenousMuseumsSymposium.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-19dc99e3-d37d-409a-bedf-b1da5ff48ac5\">Flyer Download PDF 1.3MB<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons event_link is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-09ff8851 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This inaugural \u201cInternational Indigenous Museums Symposium\u201d brings together directors of six Indigenous museums from places currently called the United States, Australia, Finland, and Japan to discuss the complex and sensitive relationship between Indigenous Peoples and museums. In recent years, museums around the world have seen active discussion on the handling of collections linked to colonial past, the importance of perspective in exhibitions, and questions of research ethics. Meanwhile, museums founded by Indigenous Peoples have been serving their communities as spaces for practicing cultural knowledge and as important repositories of memory. The theme \u201cIndigenous \u00d7 Museums\u201d is not only about reclaiming a lost past, but about how Indigenous Peoples are bringing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":4640,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"period_text":"February 7-8, 2026","footnotes":""},"event_cate":[88,34],"view_option":[57],"event_status":[79],"class_list":["post-4634","event_post","type-event_post","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","event_cate-symposium","event_cate-museum","view_option-calendar","event_status-over"],"acf":{"period_s":"20260207","period_s_source":{"label":"\u671f\u9593\u958b\u59cb\u65e5","type":"date_picker","formatted_value":"2026-02-07"},"period_e":"20260208","period_e_source":{"label":"\u671f\u9593\u7d42\u4e86\u65e5","type":"date_picker","formatted_value":"2026-02-08"},"period_text":"February 7-8, 2026","period_text_source":{"label":"\u671f\u9593\u6982\u8981","type":"text","formatted_value":"February 7-8, 2026"},"period_weekly":"","period_weekly_source":{"label":"\u66dc\u65e5\u8a2d\u5b9a","type":"checkbox","formatted_value":[]},"period_temporarily":"","period_temporarily_source":{"label":"\u81e8\u6642\u65e5","type":"textarea","formatted_value":""},"period_blackout":"","period_blackout_source":{"label":"\u9664\u5916\u65e5","type":"textarea","formatted_value":""}},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event\/4634","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/event_post"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event\/4634\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4720,"href":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event\/4634\/revisions\/4720"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4640"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4634"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"event_cate","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event_cate?post=4634"},{"taxonomy":"view_option","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/view_option?post=4634"},{"taxonomy":"event_status","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.go.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/event_status?post=4634"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}