抄録
In 2020, a symbolic space for ethnic coexistence (“Upopoy”) opened in
Shiraoi-town, Hokkaido. Upopoy was positioned not only as a space and facility
for promoting Ainu culture, but also as a base for the revival and creation of
Ainu culture, and as a symbol for respecting the dignity of indigenous peoples
and building a vibrant society with a diverse and rich culture without
discrimination for the future.
Although there are many indigenous peoples in the world, it is difficult to
say that their dignity has been emphasized. In Japan, the state of
assimilation policy symbolized by the 1899 “ Hokkaido Old Native Protection
Law” for the Ainu people continued for more than 100 years. The United Nations
recognized respect for the rights of indigenous peoples with its 2007
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Japanese government
agreed. As a result, in 2008, both houses of the Diet passed a resolution
calling for the Ainu people to be recognized as indigenous peoples, which
served as a springboard for the establishment of Upopoy. However, since the
opening of Upopoy, there have been criticisms that the museum lacks the perspective of the Ainu people themselves, especially with regard to its
“negative history” exhibit on the Ainu people.
This paper will review the meaning of indigenous peoples from previous
studies, look back on the historical process with particular attention to the
United Nations movement, and examine how the Japanese government's response to
the Ainu people has changed. The purpose and function of Upopoy will also be
re-examined based on the historical process leading up to its establishment.
Furthermore, we would like to examine the nature of the so-called museumschool
collaboration between “museums” and “schools” in Upopoy.
