Explore the dynamic world of Indigenous-led Trans-Pacific trips and diplomacy with our interactive timeline! As you scroll through entries spanning from the mid-20th century to the present day, dive deeper by clicking ‘continue reading’ to access even more information and credible sources. Our current timeline spotlights the journeys of Ainu delegations departing Japan and First Nations delegations from Canada. In Phase 2 of the project, we will expand the timeline to share even more fascinating stories from Indigenous nations around the globe.
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February 24, Japan: the Hokkaido Ainu Association (Hokkaido Ainu Kyōkai) is founded
Despite generations of intense discrimination and oppression, the Ainu of Hokkaido form their own political association. This association sets out to...
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Canada: Native Alliance for Red Power (NARP) formed
One of the leading groups in the Red Power Movement in Canada, NARP is formed in Vancouver, BC. Although the group is initially established to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, it rapidly grows into...
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March 12, Vancouver: Native Alliance for Red Power’s (NARP) First Protest
NARP organize their first protest, set against a meeting of residential school administrators. Known participants...
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June 25, Canada: the White Paper
The introduction of the 'White Paper' policy by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and his Minister of Indian Affairs, Jean Chrétien, serves as a catalyst for Red Power activism in Canada. The 'White Paper' inspires a roar of Indigenous opposition because...
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Canada: George Manuel connects with Indigenous Peoples around the world
George Manuel, Secwepemc leader from the interior of BC, rises up to become the first president of the National Indian Brotherhood, the first national Indigenous organization in Canada. Manuel then travels to New Zealand and throughout the Pacific, fostering a powerful new vision of the...
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Canada: Native Alliance for Red Power disbands
After years of galvanizing political organizing, the Native Alliance for Red Power...
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Canada: Native Study Group (NSG) formed
Ray Bobb, the late Lee Maracle and other Indigenous youth form the Native Study Group in Vancouver to study and better understand Marxism, Maoist China, Black Power, and revolutionary movements in Africa. At the time, group members feel that Marxism is a powerful tool that they could use to...
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Canada: Lee Maracle and friends first discuss trip to China
Lee Maracle and her friends first discuss a possible trip across the Pacific to learn from anti-Imperialist movements across the globe. After significant deliberation with members of the Native Study Group...
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Canada: First Indigenous delegate visits the People’s Republic of China
A delegation of 16, including Rod Bishop (Métis), makes the first trip to the People's Republic of China by an Indigenous person. During the trip, the delegates spend three busy weeks learning about...
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Canada: NSG-led Native People’s Friendship Delegation established
Led by Joan Phillip, Lee Maracle's sister and now-wife of Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, the Native People's Friendship delegation is established and 18 Indigenous delegates, aged 14 to 32, are selected. Participation in the delegation involves a serious commitment as...
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USA: International Indian Treaty Council established
The International Indian Treaty Council is founded by over 90 Indigenous Communities. The International Indian Treaty Council is established following the Wounded Knee standoff to...
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Canada: Planning the First International Conference of Indigenous Peoples
Inspired by the shared struggles of Indigenous Peoples worldwide, George Manuel and the National Indian Brotherhood take it upon themselves...
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February 18, Japan: First Ainu delegation to China
The delegation to China is monumental because it is the first time a...
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April 8, Guyana – First preliminary meeting for World Indigenous Conference in Georgetown
Planning efforts for the First International Conference of Indigenous People occur beyond Port Alberni as...
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October 27, Canada: The First International Conference of Indigenous Peoples
After a long planning period, over two-hundred Indigenous delegates from North and South America, Europe, and the Pacific...
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World Council of Indigenous Peoples established
The World Council of Indigenous Peoples is established at the First International Conference of Indigenous Peoples in Port Alberni. This coalition is monumental because...
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USA: Sister Native Study Group (NSG) formed
In the San Francisco area, Indigenous youth form a chapter of...
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January 16, Canada: China embassy sends approval to NSG-led Native People’s Friendship Delegation
After roughly three years of preparatory discussions...
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June 1, Canada: First all Indigenous-led trip to People’s Republic of China
After three years of strenuous planning and deliberation, the Native People's Friendship Delegation travels to China. The trip is an important opportunity for the delegates to...
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June 22, Canada: The Native People’s Friendship delegation returns to Canada
Following an eventful and exciting 3-week trip to China, the Native People's Friendship delegation returns home to Canada. However, as announced by Joan Phillip, all members...
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July 18, Canada: Native Study Group hosts benefit concert with Willy Dunn
The Native Study Group hosts a benefit concert with Willy Dunn (Miꞌkmaq/Métis) at Elks Hall on Granville St., Vancouver. The benefit concert, intended to raise funds to support...
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September 26, Canada: Native Study Group attends Peltier People Protest
The Native Study Group attends a protest at Oppenheimer Park in Vancouver. The protest is part of an international uproar against...
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Reflections
The 1970s was a pivotal era of Indigenous trans-Pacific trips and diplomacy. In outlining some trans-Pacific relations, we hope to emphasize that European powers, like the League of Nations and the United Nations, have not often been at the center of Indigenous diplomacy. In fact, the history and practice of Indigenous diplomacy extends beyond...