Project Description
Okhotsk Konru is a 5-day workshop planned for Spring 2027 in Hokkaido, Japan. Local Indigenous and international participants will explore the intersection of sea ice and Ainu culture. Ainu, an Indigenous people of Japan, have historically been underrepresented in Arctic research, particularly in the field of sea ice studies. Okhotsk Konru will bridge this gap by fostering collaboration between early-career polar scientists and Ainu communities, promoting the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems into the global Arctic research community.
Organised by Seira Duncan, Robbie Mallett and Alistair Duffey, the workshop will include practical field studies on sea ice along the Sea of Okhotsk and Saroma Lake. Participants will engage in lectures, discussions and cultural exchanges, as well as visits to local museums and historical sites. The event will also feature contributions from international experts and Arctic Indigenous representatives. The workshop aims to establish long-term connections between Ainu communities and the international Arctic research community, ensuring their active participation in the upcoming International Polar Year (IPY). In the short term, findings from the workshop will be presented at the Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) in Hakodate, Japan and published in a peer-reviewed journal. By amplifying Ainu voices and fostering cross-cultural exchanges, this workshop will contribute to the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in polar science, support Ainu well-being and strengthen solidarity with other Indigenous Peoples in the run up to the IPY.
Date and Location
Spring 2027, Hokkaido, Japan
IASC Working Groups funding the project
- Cryosphere WG
- Marine WG
Project Lead
Seira Duncan (Hokkaido University)
Year funded by IASC
2026