GSI Kick-off symposium held virtually, attended by researches and students from 23 universities around the world
University News | February 10, 2022
The Global Station for Indigenous Studies and Cultural Diversity (GSI) is the latest research and educational hub under Hokkaido University’s Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE). Launched in April 2021, GSI held its virtual kick-off symposium on January 21st – 22nd, 2022, attended by researchers and students from 23 universities around the world.
Left to right: Professor Hirofumi Kato, President Kiyohiro Houkin, and Executive Vice President Atsushi Yokota (Photo provided by GSI)
GSI was created based on Hokkaido University’s commitment to solve the global and regional issues regarding indigenous people and elucidate the nature of cultural diversity in Indigenous communities. The global station is expected to aid researchers in indigenous studies and cultural diversity fields through multi-disciplinary collaborations across the globe.
The kick-off symposium was moderated by Professor Hirofumi Kato of the Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies (CAIS), Hokkaido University, who presides over GSI as its director. President Kiyohiro Houkin of Hokkaido University, who is also the Director of GI-CoRE, opened the symposium with a welcoming address. The President underlined Hokkaido University’s leading role in the study of cultural diversity, considering that the University has been a center in the learning and preservation of the history of the Ainu and other Indigenous peoples.
The address was followed by a presentation from Executive Vice President Atsushi Yokota who is also serving as the Vice-Director of GI-CoRE. Professor Yokota clarified that GSI is one of many initiatives in the realization of Hokkaido University’s masterplan. The University envisions to contribute to the building of a sustainable society through the development of education and research rooted in social challenges. To fulfill this vision, the University’s management is also expected to be in harmony with the social community.
Three invited lecturers (left to right): Professor Chris Gosden (University of Oxford), Professor Peter Jordan (Lund University), and Professor Joe Watkins (University of Arizona) (Photo provided by GSI)
As a global station with an international mindset in promoting collaborative research, three experts in anthropology and cultural studies were invited to give commemorative lectures. Professor Chris Gosden from the University of Oxford gave the first talk, “Towards a Global History of the Commons.” The second lecture was given by Professor Peter Jordan from Lund University, “Reflecting on Indigeneity in the Age of the Anthropocene: A European Perspective.” The final lecture was delivered on the following day by Professor Joe Watkins from University of Arizona, “Indigenous Studies and Anthropology: Future Pathways and Partnerships.” The three lecturers are also members of GI-CoRE. Lectures were followed with a series of discussions, answering the participants’ questions. Both days were concluded with closed discussion sessions for GSI members.
“University is not only a place to produce research, but also a place where human resources are developed and new societies are created. Combined with the distinct historical and cultural background of Hokkaido, the island where Ainu people have lived, I believe that Hokkaido is the best place to develop indigenous studies and cultural diversity,” said Professor Kato.
GSI’s official website: https://gi-core.oia.hokudai.ac.jp/gsi/
GI-CoRE’s official website: https://gi-core.oia.hokudai.ac.jp/main/
Written by Aprilia Agatha Gunawan
