Kei ōu ringaringa te ao can be loosely translated as ‘the world is yours’. I agree with the whakataukī that this world is ours, but it is ours to care for, not take advantage of. My time here in Brazil has exposed me to the realities of greed and corruption for land and resources. Corporations and others are not looking after the environment, so like how it is back home, the efforts for sustainable and climate action are left to the indigenous communities. A mantle they are used to as indigenous peoples are intrinsically embedded into the fabrics of the environment and see themselves as but one thread within this realm.
However, I feel drained for them. I feel angry with them. Every person needs to take responsibility for the environment. Action is required now, and I hope to reflect this whakaaro in the project.
A highlight of the trip for me was sitting in the Guarani meeting houses. The Guarani people have a sacred whare which we were fortunate enough to go inside. To me, that whare serves as a physical manifestation of their ancestors. It continues to provide for their cultural, physical, and spiritual sustenance as Guarani peoples. It was an honour to sit and speak with them inside this whare, and I hope we can host them inside one of our wharenui one day. Hopefully, we will not have to discuss the same struggles we face today. I hope we see progress soon.
The indigenous peoples of this land have been resisting for five centuries.
Ka whawhai tonu mātou! Ake! Ake! Ake!