He uri nō Te Whakatōhea: Navigating Cultural Heritage in the Face of Historical Injustice

Toiroa  Williams; Marcos Mortensen Steagall

doi:10.24135/link2024.v5i1.219

Toiroa Williams Auckland University of Technology
Marcos Mortensen Steagall (Translator) Auckland University of Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/link2024.v5i1.219

Keywords: Cultural heritage, genealogy, indigenous representation, reconciliation, whakapapa

Abstract

He uri nō Te Whakatōhea, which translates to, I am a descendant of Te Whakatōhea is a presentation that sheds light on a historical injustice that affected generations of indigenous Māori descendants from the Te Whakatōhea tribe, situated on the east coast of New Zealand. This presentation not only acknowledges the cultural significance of Mokomoko, a prominent Whakatōhea chief but as a seventh-generation grandchild of Mokomoko, it also serves as a celebration of rich cultural heritage. Through the mediums of photography, music, poetry, and traditional lament, we come together to honour the sacred connections between family, land, and the historical injustices endured by our community. This approach aims to amplify the voices and narratives that shape our collective identity as a people. Understanding our past is crucial for navigating our future. By delving into our whakapapa, genealogical lineage, it connects us to our ancestors. This exploration provides invaluable insights that guide our path toward a future imbued with purpose and resilience. The wisdom and endurance of those who came before us serve as a guiding light, illuminating our journey ahead and reminding us of the importance of acknowledging their struggles. He uri nō Te Whakatōhea, serves as a platform for redefining indigenous representation and engaging with documentary installations. Representing both the contemporary and ancient facets of our identity. It symbolises a meaningful projection into the present and the future, shaping discourse surrounding justice advocacy and reconciliation. This aligns with the recent settlement (2024) between our tribe Te Whakatōhea and the New Zealand Government, further underscoring the significance of our work in contributing to healing and societal progress.

Author Biographies

Toiroa Williams , Auckland University of Technology

Toiroa is a Lecturer at Te Ipukarea: National Māori Language Research Institute within the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies at Auckland University of Technology. He earned his Master's in documentary filmmaking in 2016 and has been honored with prestigious scholarships such as the AUT INTERNZ at Sundance Institute and the AUT Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship. He completed a PhD in Art and Design, specializing in storytelling and documentary filmmaking, focusing on te reo and mātauranga Māori. Toiroa draws inspiration from his whānau and his hometown of Ōpōtiki. He is dedicated to sharing Indigenous narratives to educate future generations, helping to reconnect whānau with their culture, language, and history.

Marcos Mortensen Steagall, Auckland University of Technology

Marcos Mortensen Steagall is an Associate Professor in the Communication Design department at the Auckland University of Technology - AUT since 2016. He is the Communication Design Postgraduate Strand Leader and Programme Leader for Communication Design and Interaction Design for Year 3. He holds a Master's (2000) and PhD (2006) in Communication & Semiotics acquired from The Pontifical Catholic University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and a PhD in Art & Design from Auckland University of Technology in 2019. Research interest focus on Practice-oriented research in Design through a Global South perspective.