Dr. De Vore co-facilitates CIELO Japan Trip with Ainu Indigenous Communities

Dr. DeVore was invited to serve as facilitator for the CIELO Japan Program with Ainu Japanese communities, and offer STEM oriented insight as an Indigenous researcher and member of the Indigenous Resilience Center at the U of A.

The Ainu people of Hokkaido, Japan, have an intimate connection with their land, marked by a deep respect for nature and a rich cultural heritage. The UA CIELO Program explored how Hokkaido’s unique geography, with its rugged mountains, forests, and rivers, has shaped the traditions and lifestyle of the Ainu people. Our cohort of six UA faculty and ten students learned about their customs, spiritual beliefs, and history while engaging in activities that celebrate and preserve their culture. Throughout this journey, we shared protocol, stories, art, evironmental restoration efforts. This was a unique opportunity to connect with the Ainu community, gain a deeper appreciation of their way of life, and contribute to initiatives that support the preservation of Ainu heritage.

This initiative serves to support collaborations across global Indigenous communities & to build and support DeVore's research efforts with the Indigenous Resilience Center.