What are we?
The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre is asking that question in a symposium next weekend that explores issues of identity and belonging and honours the Nikkei identity.
The symposium ties in with the centre's ongoing photography exhibit by Kip Fulbeck, part asian, 100% hapa, which looks at questions of multiracial identity.
The symposium, which is described as an "unconference," runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, with refreshments and a buffet lunch.
Fulbeck will give the keynote presentation, and respected elders will share a historical perspective.
In the afternoon, Fulbeck and a panel of Nikkei arts and culture professionals from Quebec, Ontario, B.C. and California will present some of their thoughts and ideas for the future.
"There will be plenty of time for lively discussion and active participation," a press release says.
The arts and culture panel will include Bryce Kanbara, an artist and writer who was actively involved in the fight for Japanese Canadian redress in 1988; Greg Kimura, CEO of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles; Kirsten Lambertson, general manger of the Powell Street Festival; Kelty Miyoshi McKinnon, managing partner at PFS Studio planning and design firm; Junji Nishihata, president of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Monreal; Louise Noguchi, professional artist and professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga; and Jeff Chiba Stearns, an award-winning animation and documentary filmmaker.
The day ends with hip hapa hooray!, the Hapa-palooza Festival's inaugural community awards.
Admission is free, but seating is limited, so RSVP is required - email [email protected].
The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre is at 6688 Southoaks Cres.
