“Someday, some strong people will appear out of us and we will rise up to compete with the world, as it moves on and on.”
Chiri Yukie (cheer-eee yoo-kee-yay), author and story keeper
“We demand that…peoples recognize reciprocally the freedom of each ethnic group to use its own language and acknowledge the fact that there exist different ethnic cultures.”
Giichi Nomura (geye-chee no-moor-ah), human rights activist
“Ainu culture isn’t limited to language or ceremonies or dance. It is Ainu life itself. Whatever happens every day within the household is Ainu culture.”
Ryoko Tahara (yoh-koh tah-hah-rah), chairperson Ainu Women's Association
“We are a living people. We are not a culture only. It is no use if only our culture is preserved. We would like to recover our rights as human beings.“
Koichi Kaizawa (koych keye-zah-wah), culture preservationist
“I saw fathers and mothers at their gatherings saying their prayers…singing and dancing full of joy all night. At those moments, they could confirm their identity as Ainu.”
Shizue Ukaji (she-zay kah-jee), embroidery artist
“There are things more important than making money - generosity, kindly feelings toward the weak, broad-mindedness, caring for earth.”
Shiro Kayano (shee-roh keye-ah-noh), language keeper
“All that you do is not only your will but the will of your ancestors.”
Rie Kayano (ree keye-ah-noh), oral historian
“All things sent from the heavens always have a role to play.”
Hideo Akibe (hee-day-yoh ah-kee-bay), director Ainu Industrial Arts Association