Emiko Newman

My name is Emiko (she/her), and I was born and raised on the traditional, unceded Coast Salish territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples, also known as Vancouver. I identify as a yonsei (fourth generation) Jewpanese woman – Jewish and Japanese.

My involvement in the Japanese Canadian community began at an early age when I joined Chibi Taiko, and I have been playing ever since. I have also enjoyed working with the community throughout the years.

In 2017 I graduated from Simon Fraser University with a degree in English and Sociology. After graduation I traveled to Japan with the JET Programme to teach English in a rural city in northern Japan. This was a life-changing experience. It brought me closer to my ancestors, improved my language proficiency, and allowed for complete cultural immersion in a culture I had previously only known in its hybrid form (Japanese-Canadian). Turns out the two are completely different!

Currently I am pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Toronto, focusing on the intersections between social and environmental justice.