What does has it meant to be a kaitiaki (traditional practitioner of guardianship) of taonga (Māori cultural treasures), a mokopuna (descendant) of He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti and an archivist? Why and how are we trying to or continuing to open our archives to and for tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land) and how are we aligning this with the promises and agreements made with Māori when this country, began to establish some 200 years ago?
Our tūpuna (ancestors) lived, survived and flourished by values, principles and practices they developed and honed over centuries. The values, principles and practices ensured a good life, one that made sense to them, this does not mean it was an easy life, but it was one that made sense.
The arrival of pākeha brought new and foreign dynamics to this place. He Whakaputanga (1835 Declaration of Independence) and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (1840 Tiriti o Waitangi) were developed and are the foundational agreements that set out the expectations Māori had to share Aotearoa and become an active participant and contributor to the international scene. Their expectation then and ours still today are clearly articulated in He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
This presentation will open a door into my ao Māori (Māori reality) and invites the audience to look inside and gain some insights into some of the expectations, aspirations and challenges Māori people and communities face, particularly in relation to archives that evidence our exisitance, legitimacy and entitlements, who cares for these, why and how and importantly, gain some insights into the possibilities Tiriti inspired and honoured practices for our profession and our practices.