Ara | Te Pūkenga has welcomed the first of two groups from North America for indigenous study tours over the next
fortnight.
The first group, made up of students and teachers from Ara’s partner institution Camosun College in Canada, were visibly
moved by a warm welcome from the Māori Achievement Team, saying "the sense of connection" was real.
Speaking after the powhiri, student and youth worker Ethan Joseph said deep emotions were stirred.
"A lot of us are from small communities who are struggling," he said. "You come here and it’s so powerful to see there
is another people just like us and they are thriving and striving further. It’s important to realise what growth is
possible. Sometimes it can be tough to find that hope," he said wiping the tears.
His experience was echoed by immersion Senćoŧen language teacher Meneŧiye Elliot from Wsáneć territory who said she was
looking forward to learning more about teaching methods and the transition from immersion learning to the tertiary
environment.
"I’ve been here only one day and witnessed so much language compared to what we have in the broad community at home,"
she said. "Seeing Māori in television commercials on mainstream TV and then observing a channel totally in Māori has
blown my mind."
The manuhiri (visitors) shared their own acknowledgments, songs and customs during the powhiri including a smudging
ceremony common to First Nations which involves the burning of medicines, gathered from the earth - in this case sage
and sweetgrass.
"For us this is a way to cleanse the mind and thoughts and it’s something we do often," Joseph said. "Working through
issues surrounding colonisation mean our classes involve trauma, so it’s important to make sure you have a healthy
mind," he added.
Stan Tawa, Manager Te Puna Wānaka, said Ara was very much looking forward to sharing and exchanging knowledge with the
group from Camosun College.
"The team from Camosun will share their revitalisation journey with us, and we’ll share ours with them. They’re
especially interested in learning about how they might reinvigorate their reo - how to keep, grow and ensure it
prospers. They’ll sit in on several classes here at Te Puna Wānaka to see what we do," Tawa said.
Over the course of two weeks the group will learn more about Māori history and traditions as well as experience
performing arts, hangi and noho marae - and explore the Waitaha (Canterbury) region.
Heperi Harris, Kaiārahi Kaupapa Māori Lead - Academic, explained the importance of indigenous study exchanges. "These
exchanges help us build cross-cultural bridges and vibrant partnerships with other indigenous peoples. We’ll share our
traditions, customs, languages, and ways of life, which helps to strengthen and preserve these important aspects of our
unique cultures," he said.
"We hope the connections and relationships created through these exchanges can help to strengthen our respective
indigenous cultures and communities, promote solidarity and cooperation and provide support when addressing common
challenges and issues," he concluded.
Beth Knowles, Ara’s Director - International, said the two exchanges support the International Education Strategy of Te
Pūkenga and aim improve relationships with the world.
"We have a unique bicultural nation. We want to share that with others and we want the opportunity to experience theirs.
By doing so we’ll equip ākonga from around the globe with indigenous knowledge, and the skills and cultural competence
needed to succeed anywhere in the world," she said.
A second group of ākonga arrive mid-April from Appalachian State University (ASU), a visit made possible by funding
provided by the United States Embassy in Aotearoa.