Retracing our Roots 2019

What is the "Retracing Our Roots" Retreat?

Retracing our Roots is an overnight workshop and retreat that will bring together Asian American and Pacific Islander students who are interested in examining issues of identity, ethnicity, race, heritage, and citizenship in the American experience through small group discussions and engaging activities.  


This retreat will encourage participants to think about and investigate aspects of their identity and how they impact their different roles in the community.  It will provide an opportunity to understand the intersections of identity and culture, to find a place of comfort among peers, and to discover self-empowerment through knowledge and affirmation.


Participants can expect: 

  • to meet other students who want to learn about what it means to be an Asian American and/or Pacific Isander
  • to participate in discussion on relevant issues listed above
  • to gain mentorship and meaningful exchanges with other students who are involved in the community

 

Trip Details

Depart for Bradford Woods: Friday, Feb. 1 @ 5:30 p.m. at the ACC (meet at the ACC by 5:15 pm)
Return to IUB campus:  Saturday, Feb. 2 @ 5:00 p.m.

If you have additional questions, please email acc@indiana.edu.

Click Here to RSVP

This program is FREE! We will cover your overnight accommodations, meals, and transportation to and from Bradford Woods. Due to limited space, we encourage students to apply early.


Guest Facilitator: Lisa Doi

Lisa Doi is the President of the Japanese American Citizen’s League, Chicago Chapter. With JACL, Chicago, Lisa has participated in and led the Kansha Project, a youth leadership and identity development program for college aged Japanese Americans from the Midwest centered on WWII incarceration history. Lisa began her work in racial identity development as a a facilitator for the National Association of Independent Schools’ Student Diversity Leadership Conference. She continues this commitment to supporting students of color in independent schools as a trustee of North Shore Country Day School. Professionally, Lisa is a Research & Evaluation Manager at IFF, doing program evaluation and research on projects and cities across the Midwest. Lisa received a B.A. in Anthropology & Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.A. in Social Science from the University of Chicago, where her research focused on the resettlement and dispersal patterns of Japanese Americans to Chicago after their World War II incarceration.

 

What will I do there?

Attendees will participate in activities and workshops led by educators and students. These workshops will address such issues (such) as identity, race, gender, culture, and values.

 

Is it for me?

We are looking for individuals who are committed to exploring their identities, learning more about AAPI issues, and becoming a part of a community at Indiana University!

Growing up as an Asian American in this society, there were a lot of times where you feel isolated or out of place as an Asian... And I think that's why I got into acting because I wanted to be anybody else but Asian.
Ming-Na Wen
I exist in this hyphen. I'm an Indian-American-Muslim kid, but am I more Indian or am I more American? What part of my identity am I? 
Hasan Minhaj
When I was growing up, Asians were so few and far between as to be almost invisible. And so the idea of an Asian American movement or an Asian American thrust in this country was unthinkable.
Grace Lee Boggs