22. Ethical belonging [My Language My Country]

In this final episode, we explore what it means to be colonisers on colonised lands.

If we’re migrants from a colonising country like Japan, are our perspectives and connections to First Nations peoples different?

We hear from two Japanese Australians, whose ancestors were involved in the Pacific War.

How does carrying this personal history shape their sense of belonging? What can we all do to foster a more responsible or ethical sense of belonging?

Guests

Tofa Amanda Moors-Mailei is a Sāmoan educator, strategist and nationally recognised equity leader in Australian higher education. Her work includes shaping the UTS Humanitarian Scholarship Program, leading the design of the UTS Indigenous Outreach Strategy, advancing Pacific student success initiatives, and co-designing UTS’s first Women in IT Leadership Mentoring Program. Amanda is the Founder of the Australian Pasifika Educators Network, a founding member of the UTS Multicultural Women’s Network, and Executive Lead, Pacific for Equity Practitioners in Higher Education Australasia.

Fainu'ulelei Unasa Moors is Amanda’s father.

Mayu Kanamori is an independent artist working in Australia and Japan. She works across mediums including photography and performances to tell stories of Japanese experiences in Australia. She is a founding member of Nikkei Australia.

Mariko Smith (Yuin/Japanese) is Senior Specialist (Research & Publications) at the Australian Museum. Born in Sydney and growing up on the NSW Central Coast, her work explores Australian national history, historiographical practice, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems into museum and academic frameworks.

Benjamin Oh is a Malaysia-born, multilingual leader in human rights and community development. He works across faiths, cultures and communities to advance dignity, equality, justice and inclusion, bridging faith, multicultural engagement, while fostering dialogue, understanding, and belonging for diverse communities in Australia and internationally. Benjamin leads several LGBTIQA+, faith and multicultural organisations.

Mayu Kanamori’s Art Projects

Heart of the Journey Multimedia documentary about Lucy Dann’s journey to find her Japanese father.

In Repose Multi-arts project of dance, music, sound and ceremony visiting Japanese gravesites and cemeteries in Australia.

When You Call My Name Multi-arts project honouring the lives of 208 people who died while incarcerated as ‘Japanese enemy aliens’ during World War II.

Music

Koto music ‘Chinkon’ composed by Mark Isaacs; performed by Satsuki Odamura

Album: Pearl of May

Label: Tall Poppies Records

Tibetan Bells performed by Satsuki Odamura

Credits

This series was produced on the Lands of the Gadigal People, the Cammeraygal People, the Darug People, and the Guringai People.

Host: Elaine Laforteza

Producer: Masako Fukui

With the support of Jane Curtis, and Sarah Gilbert of UTS Impact Studios

Tile artwork by Alexandra Morris

This podcast was created by the UTS Multicultural Women’s Network and is part of the broader UTS Acknowledgment of Country in Our Languages project.