Tumamoc Author Series: Joe E. Watkins

Indigenizing Japan: Ainu Past, Present, and Future

Top: Desert Laboratory of Tumamoc Hill, University of Arizona Press, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Southwest Center. Center Text: Tumamoc Hill Author Series. Wednesday Jan 14 - 5:30 PM. Joe E. Watkins, 𝘐𝘯π˜₯π˜ͺ𝘨𝘦𝘯π˜ͺ𝘻π˜ͺ𝘯𝘨 π˜‘π˜’π˜±π˜’π˜―: Ainu Past, Present, and Future. Author talk and book signing. Tumamoc Hill Boathouse - 1675, Anklam Road, Tucson. Left Image: Indigenizing Japan Cover. Right Image: Joe E. Watkins Portrait Photo. Bottom: RSVP QR Code.

When

5:30 – 7 p.m., Jan. 14, 2026

Where

Tumamoc Hill Boathouse
Book Presentation - Free Event
Wednesday, January 14th, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm.
Tumamoc Hill Boathouse - 1675 W Anklam Rd, Tucson.

How does the Ainu experience in Hokkaido, Japan relate to other Indigenous people in the context of global colonialism? Joe E. Watkins’ earlier anthropology work with Indigenous communities in the United States allows him to answer this question. He will talk about his new book, Indigenizing Japan: Ainu Past, Present, and Future,  which investigates the rich history and cultural resilience of the Ainu, tracing their journey from ancient times to their contemporary struggles for recognition. As a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Watkins’ interests concern the ethical practice of anthropology and anthropology’s relationships with descendant communities and populations on a global scale.

RSVP HERE