We are at the halfway point of our time here in Brazil. I have taken in quite a bit of the scenery and the culture in its unique way. My roommate Kurt and I get along like brothers, and we keep an eye out for each other and others who might need support. But hey, we are both dads, and that’s what good dads, mates, fathers, and genuinely good kiwi buggers do, right? A trip of bonding and working together, listening, speaking up, and sharing experiences is what it is all about.
Thoughts
As we sit here today, I think about Waitangi Day and read news and articles from home. We have some outstanding critics writing some amazing things and some decorated people in our academic circles, really trying hard to help the meaning of this day along. So I deliberately held off on publishing some thoughts I had along the way and savoured them for today. To me, it highlights where my thinking is at the halfway point of this trip of a lifetime and how it is grounding, confirming, and validating me.
We are here to develop, impart our Maatauranga Maaori, and so far, I’ve made contact with one indigenous person who might benefit from my Maatauranga or through my acquaintances back home. Using a touch of Mana Motuhake, I’m going to try and make an effort for her and see what comes of it when I return. We share similar land conquest situations and constructs, which fundamentally make us similar, if not the same, and I’m impressed at the same time jealous of what they have achieved with their cultural museum and installation.
Summary
I’m found to asking myself on this day, do we need an installation/museum/cultural centre? When we have 68 Marae that governs our tribe. Is 68 Marae not enough for us to share our culture? Or do we need this other masterpiece to showcase ourselves? Perhaps that is the missing link, where we, as Maaori, possess centres that welcome all into our home for an experience of us and allow us to express some Arohatanga that is unique to us. That allows us to heal ourselves, at the same time, help one another/others. I am found to be wanting and finding more Whanaungatanga that builds bridges and everlasting friendships that shall be determined as we all try desperately to get to the destination known as ‘Kotahitanga,’ perhaps the answer is to build a centre and safe spaces that allow for us to unify in time. Safe spaces that celebrate culture and all it brings, like this ‘Monet’ mobile installation.
Com amor do brasil! Aarão
