Awarua whānau hosted a delegation of indigenous Alaskans who were taking part in the Ngāi Tahu Tribal Economies wānaka in February.
Whānau had the pleasure of meeting, talking and listening to Manny Jules (elder of Secwepemc), Mike LeBourdais (chief, Secwepemc), Liz Medicine Crow (Haida, Tingit Alaska), Robert Miller (Eastern Shawnee, Chief Justice) and Warren-Maruk Jones (Alaska).
Attendees enjoyed the discussion and it stimulated much kōrero and thought around tribal economies and inter-generational wealth. It prompted us to ask the question, “What does this look like in our takiwā?”
Many thanks to Te Kura o Arowhenua for supporting the pōwhiri and entertaining guests, and many thanks to the haukāinga for the beautiful kai.
Sisters Danielle and Terina Stockwell, have been working on an Awarua Rūnaka initiative exploring and creating nutraceuticals utilising local natural resources (by-products such as oyster shells) and had the opportunity to share their samples, journey and ideas with Liz Medicine Crow.
This initiative is one of many in the seven year-road map recently created by rūnaka and marae whānau. Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu has invested in this project to enhance the social, economic and environmental aspirations for whānau.
Whānau are excited to launch their first two projects this year, and are pleased the next generation are taking the lead in these projects. More updates to follow in the coming months on how these projects are progressing.
Danielle and Terina Stockwell showing their products to Liz Medicine Crow.
Indigenous Alaskan delegation members.