Editing Ainu people (section)

==Incorporating Ainu into archaeology==
There has been many findings regarding the Ainu people that have been made with a Western mindset. Because of this, there have been movements made in order to start breaking away from this and starting to incorporate the Ainu people into archaeological work, including the incorporation of the "Kamui-nomi" ceremony at archaeological sites.<ref name=":3" /> This is a traditional Ainu ritual performed with the intention of giving prayers to their gods for safe travel or well-being. During the ritual, sacred shaved sticks called "inaw" are used, and then later they are offered to the Ishikari River as part of the ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kamuynomi {{!}} Kamikawa Ainu in Coexistence with Kamuy~ Traditional World of the Gods at the Foot of Mt. Daisetsu ~ |url=https://daisetsu-kamikawa-ainu.jp/en/story/kamuinomi/ |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=Kamikawa Ainu in Coexistence with Kamuy |language=en-US}}</ref> This is being done now because archaeology is looked at as a colonialist endeavor by many Indigenous communities, like the Ainu, and Indigenous pasts are very different from the stories archaeologists conclude, and those stories impact Indigenous knowledge.<ref name=":3" /> Indigenous archaeology argues that it is necessary to have the Indigenous people participate to ensure that the research that is being done is reciprocal towards that community by respecting the culture, traditions, and perspective of those people. Incorporating the Ainu people into archaeological research is essential, as Indigenous archaeology prioritizes their voices, ensuring that discoveries about their ancestors are interpreted with respect, accuracy, and cultural authenticity rather than solely through external perspectives. Their ceremonies, such as the "Kamui-nomi," the "Iomante" (Bear-Sending Ceremony), and other rituals honoring natural spirits provide crucial insights into their worldview. Their Indigenous knowledge offers a deeper contextual understanding of Ainu burial practices, sacred sites, and ancestral traditions, shaping how people interpret archaeological findings beyond mere artifacts, and enriching people's appreciation of their spiritual and cultural legacy.

Archaeological efforts are crucial in deepening people's understanding of the Ainu, as they provide tangible evidence of their historical and cultural legacy. Through the excavation of artifacts such as tools, pottery, and remnants of ancient settlements, researchers can reconstruct the daily lives, social structures, and spiritual practices of the Ainu people. These findings help to fill gaps in historical records, offering a more comprehensive and nuanced view of the Ainu's contributions to history. Archaeology plays a vital role in preserving the heritage of the Ainu, ensuring that their stories and traditions are not lost to time. By fostering collaboration between archaeologists and the Ainu community, these efforts also promote cultural sensitivity and respect, allowing for a more accurate and respectful representation of the Ainu's rich cultural identity.

Historically, their language, traditions, and spiritual practices were marginalized under policies aimed at integrating them into the dominant cultures.<ref>{{Cite web |title=公益財団法人 アイヌ民族文化財団 |url=https://www.ff-ainu.or.jp/web/english/details/post-5.html |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=www.ff-ainu.or.jp |language=ja}}</ref> This led to significant losses in their cultural heritage, with the Ainu language now critically endangered.<ref name=":2" /> However, recent efforts have focused on revitalizing Ainu identity through the preservation of language,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-02 |title=Hokkaido {{!}} Facts, History, & Points of Interest {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Hokkaido |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> traditional arts, and spiritual practices. These initiatives are not only about cultural survival but also about reclaiming a sense of pride and identity among Ainu communities.

Within Ainu heritage and research circles, there has been a growing movement to Indigenize and decolonize their narratives.<ref name=":3" /> This involves challenging the dominant historical perspectives that have often portrayed the Ainu as a vanishing or primitive people. By centering Ainu's voices and perspectives, these efforts aim to dismantle colonial frameworks and promote a more authentic representation of their history and contributions.

Archaeology has played a pivotal role in challenging dominant historical narratives about the Ainu and revitalizing their cultural practices. By uncovering material evidence of the Ainu's distinct cultural and historical trajectory, archaeologists, along with the Ainu people, have highlighted the complexity and richness of their heritage, which has been overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream accounts. This collaboration between archaeologists and Ainu communities underscores the importance of Indigenous perspectives in interpreting the past and shaping the future.