Bridging Cultures at the International Indigenous Research Conference

 

The 2024 International Indigenous Research Conference (IIRC) buzzed with energy as scholars, elders, and youth from around the world gathered in unity at Waipapa Marae, University of Auckland.

Held from November 12-15, conference hosts Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga wove together Indigenous wisdom and research to address common challenges amongst Indigenous peoples globally. Kaimahi from Te Mātāwai attended the conference to discuss our role as a Crown partner in revitalising the Māori language, as well as to present the preliminary findings of our te reo Māori trauma case studies. 

Te Mātāwai Senior Research Advisor, Kararaina Rangihau, was pleased to share space with Indigenous peoples of Poland, Canada, Hawai’i and Australia’s First Nations, among others.  

“Panellists explored a range of topics ranging from mātauranga, taiao and tikanga, to contemporary issues like data sovereignty and the impacts of A.I which was exciting,” said Kararaina. 

At the heart of the event was a call for innovation, empowerment of Indigenous knowledge systems, and collaboration. While a wide range of topics was discussed, Te Mātāwai’s presentation on te reo Māori trauma significantly captured attention.  

“After our presentation on te reo Māori trauma, it was truly moving to hear other cultures reference our kōrero and share similar experiences of language trauma,” said Te Mātāwai Research Manager, Braden Te Hiwi. “It reaffirmed the universal nature of our struggles. We all understand it, we all feel it, and it’s comforting to know we’re not alone in this fight.”