Weaving our Worlds

In this insightful episode, Melanie Nelson sits down with Jen Margaret, a dedicated advocate and educator for te Tiriti o Waitangi. Jen has spent over 30 years championing the importance of te Tiriti and the responsibilities it entails for Pākehā and Tauiwi in Aotearoa. Jen shares her personal journey into this work, starting with her first encounter with te Tiriti at university and the subsequent realisation of how little she had been taught about Aotearoa’s founding document. She delves into the critical role Pākehā play in honouring te Tiriti, its importance to non-Māori, the significance of understanding our shared history, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation on Māori. Through a blend of personal reflections and professional insights, Jen highlights the importance of collective action, the need for Pākehā to educate their own communities, and the essential work being done to build stronger, more respectful relationships in Aotearoa. Whether you're familiar with te Tiriti o Waitangi or just beginning to explore its significance, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the path to a more just and unified Aotearoa.Tune in to hear Jen's powerful message on the responsibility we all share in honouring te Tiriti and fostering a society where everyone can thrive.Resources: https://groundwork.org.nz/resources/ 

Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod joins Melanie to talk about the upcoming celebration of te reo Māori - the first national Māori language festival, Toitū te Reo. He shares about the inspiration and focus of the festival, its welcoming nature to all, and what it will look and feel like. We discuss some of the speakers and topics which will be included.We also talk more broadly about the future of te reo Māori, the role for Pākehā and Tauiwi in embracing te reo, dealing with government attacks on te reo and the need for allies in these turbulent times, more than ever.Toitū te Reo: https://www.toitutereo.co.nz/Support Weaving our Worlds podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/MelanieNelson 

Beth Tupara-Katene joins Melanie to share the findings of research project Tangaroa Ararau. The project has focused on how to put Tangaroa and Hinemoana (the ocean) at the centre of marine governance, with decisions led collectively by local communities. We include Māori perspectives on governance and relating to the ocean, across the spectrum of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), customary and commercial fisheries, grounded in te Tiriti o Waitangi. Beth describes a vision of thriving oceans and thriving communities in reciprocal relationship, and systems change to enable the inclusion of a diverse range of people and values.Resources: https://uhitai.org/ 

Dr Jessica Hutchings talks about Māori and indigenous food sovereignty, and her practice of this in her own life, through growing food, research and sharing knowledge. She articulates her views on GMOs and the risks that genetic engineering pose to indigenous peoples and their sovereignty. Also, Jessica shares about the difficulties of ensuring Māori values and voices are centred in the organic and regenerative agriculture movements, and gives insights to behaviours of good allies.Resources: https://www.papawhakaritorito.com/