Retracing Our Roots | IU Asian Culture Center

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

We are inviting students of Asian American and Pacific Islander background who are interested in examining issues in identity, ethnicity, and citizenship in the American experience through roundtable discussions, outdoor activities, and workshops.

This retreat is meant to have the participants think about and investigate the aspects of identity, a diverse space experienced by so many individuals from immigrant and minority backgrounds, and certainly by many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. We want to provide participants an opportunity to understand the intersections of identity and culture, to find a place of comfort in situations that maybe uncomfortable and to discover self-empowerment through knowledge and affirmation.

What is the "Retracing Our Roots" Retreat?

Retracing Our Roots provides a safe and inclusive space for IU students of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. This program was a student led initiative in 2010. This fall, the Asian Culture Center is bringing it back in response to a request by students who want to learn and explore issues on identity, race, gender, culture, and values and how they impact on self-empowerment and their diverse roles as a student, leader, activist, community organizer, and citizen.

Participants can expect:

to meet other students who want to learn about what it means to be an Asian American and/or Pacific Islander
to participate in discussions on relevant issues and outdoor activities
to gain mentorship and meaningful exchanges with other students who are involved in the community

Attendees will participate in small group discussions, outdoor activities, and workshops led by educators and students. Featured topics will include:

Asian American history
Current issues affecting the AAPI community
Ethnic identity and culture

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

Click here to register.

Spots are limited

If you have any questions, email us at acc@iu.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is included under the term Asian American and Pacific Islander?

This includes those who identify as American who are East Asian, Filipino, Pacific Islander, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and/or of mixed heritage that includes an Asian ethnicity.

What type of information do I give under "Ethnicity" on the registration form?

Applicants are required to list a specific ethnic background, such as Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Guamanian, Hawaiian, Hmong, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Samoan, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Tongan, Vietnamese, etc. If you are of mixed heritage, please completely list your various backgrounds separated by commas.