Nick Declares his Statement of Solidarity with the Ainu Neno An Ainu Association

I am a second year Master's student in the Information and Communication Engineering program at Kitami Institute of Technology in Hokkaido, Japan. My research is focused primarily on developing communication technology for the Ainu language family that is indigenous to Hokkaido, as well as to Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, and much of northern Honshu. This research would not only have no purpose, but would not be possible at all without the Ainu people who are the rightful heirs to their linguistic and cultural heritage. As a researcher, I believe it is my duty to place my work within the cultural and historical context of the Ainu people. My goal is to make meaningful contributions that belong to the community, rather than extracting knowledge to fulfill academic or personal ambitions.

During my presentation at the RIVF'24 conference, I expressed solidarity with the Ainu Neno An Ainu Association in their efforts to secure the return of stolen Ainu remains, official acknowledgment and apologies from research societies, and data sovereignty for the Ainu people. I also support their demands for similar rights for the Ryukyuan people and stand with all indigenous communities worldwide seeking justice for historical injustices. As I begin my academic career, I will work to ensure that my research contributes to the empowerment and well-being of the Ainu people and other indigenous communities.

Sincerely,
Nicholas Overacker
Kitami Institute of Technology