It’s been a long week. Maybe the longest so far, but all for good reasons. As I try to make sense of the abundance of experiences, emotions, and relationalities that have been held within this week, the theme of negotiation is woven into many of them. The week started with lectures on Mapuche and Aymara…Continue Reading Negotiation and Reflection
The Banyan tree can reach heights of over 30 metres. But a single tree can also cover over 1 km² of land. It starts with a single trunk and grows laterally deploying aerial roots that essentially become trunks, supporting the tree as it spreads wider and wider. The Banyan tree is a symbol of longevity….Continue Reading Embracing the Paradox of Life
“Accept all that is happening around you… Accept the sounds and the movement of India” Gilles Chuyen (our Bollywood dance instructor) There were so many things that had me excited about coming to India – the people, the culture, the food, the architecture, the music, the traffic, the spirituality, the diversity. But perhaps highest among…Continue Reading Learning the Secrets of Life in Bollywood Dance Class
On the 26th of January, almost three weeks since arriving in India, I experienced my lowest moment. Physically, I was completely fine. My health is, and has been, at 100% (touch wood). But emotionally, I felt a swirling tornado of emotions that ripped apart the metaphorical shelter that protected me from the harsh reality of…Continue Reading A Bag Of Bananas
“Mari Mari” means “Hello” in Mapuzungun, the Mapuche indigenous language This week has been a rollercoaster of unexpected emotions. I have cried and laughed in spaces I never imagined and connected with people I would have never met without this opportunity. This week has been a rollercoaster of unexpected emotions. I have cried and laughed in…Continue Reading ‘Mari Mari’
Our third week in Santiago, Chile, began with an amazing set of lectures on Indigenous worldviews and healthcare. These lectures gave us an important overview of the historical and current contexts of the different indigenous groups in Chile, mainly focusing on the two largest groups, the Mapuche and Aymara peoples. On Tuesday, we visited the Museum…Continue Reading Understanding, Education, and Worldviews
This week, we had the privilege of learning about diverse Indigenous groups in Chile in various contexts. These included in the classroom, at traditional Mapunche community houses or Ruka, an Indigenous-led health centre and through our visit to the Ministry of Health. In many ways, the week was emotionally overwhelming and challenging, learning about the…Continue Reading Our Connected Worlds Week 3
Shannon Mihaere. Rangitane o Tamaki nui-a-rua. Ngāti Porou. Ngai Tai ki Tamaki. Waikato-Tainui. Mari Mari Kom pu che – Hello to all the people! First and foremost, I acknowledge the 11 indigenous groups here in Chile whose knowledge systems are of deep importance for the betterment of all peoples and deserves to be considered as…Continue Reading A centring of Mapuche worldviews in healthcare
The Indian entrepreneurial mindset exemplifies many ideal traits in successful innovators. It has also been interesting to reflect upon the similarities and differences between New Zealand and Indian entrepreneurs….Continue Reading South Indian Start-Ups: A Masterclass in the Entrepreneurial Mindset
I acknowledge that the land I stand on is the rightful territory of the Mapuche people. I recognise my position as manuhiri (a visitor) on this land, and write with the intention of honouring the tikanga (protocols) of the Mapuche people. I further recognise the long-lasting effects of colonisation for all Indigenous groups in Chile, and…Continue Reading Toitū te whenua, toitū te tangata