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 |  | Newsletter Ke Alaula: "The Dawning" | April 2007 - Vol 1, Issue 3 | | | | In This Issue | | | | | Quick Links | | | | | | | Aloha Mawae, | |  Kua hinga atu te Totara i te wao nui a Tane, engari, mate atu he tetekura, whakaete mai he tetekura. Na reira e te rangatira, haere, haere, haere. Haere ki Hawaiiki nui, Hawaiiki roa, Hawaiiki pamamao.
E nga mana, e nga reo, e karangatanga maha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa. He mihi whanui tenei ki a tatou katoa, e nga tangata whenua, huri noa i te moana nui a Kiwa.
Mawae Morton
First Nations' Futures Program | | | | | * First Nations' Futures Program (FNFP) applications for Kamehameha Fellows are available for download at our website. We encourage all individuals who feel they meet the qualifications to apply. More information about the program itself and overall goals and impacts are also available on our main website. Applications close on May 31, 2007. Don't miss the opportunity!
* In our March issue of our newsletter we focused on FNFP's 2007 Institute held at Stanford University. Profiles of presenters at the Institute were focal. Unfortunately, we failed to mention our gratitude to Professor Rich Shavelson and his graduate assistant, Amy Rosenthal. Professor Rich Shavelson, whose expertise lies in development of performance and assessments in social education, evaluation along psychometric, cost, classroom use, and social impact lines, helped evaluate the Institute. Their evaluation is key to how we can improve on the institute design, implementation and outcomes for 2007. | | | | | |  He Aitua
Uncle Kelly Davis (Ngai Tahu) passed away shortly after the Aotearoa project.
He was a visionary regarding the sustainability of culture and heritage, who spoke thoughtfully for the protection and advancement of his people. Having been a representative of Waihao within Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, he filled an important leadership role and served his life's purpose to see to a fair share for natives. Although he confessingly thought his efforts were a sole individual's voice against the herculean power of excessive capitalism in the form of big business -- he kept his efforts up for the future of his children and grandchildren.
Uncle Kelly Davis embraced and welcomed the fellows during the Aotearoa place-based project. Having shared worthwhile moments with Uncle Kelly, the fellows formed a strong bond with him. He will be remembered fondly, and his life efforts will not be forgotten or go fruitless.
"An experience that must be mentioned was the time spent with a special kupuna. He showed us the importance of mahinga kai and gifted us a mokihi which he fashioned out of raupo reed. Uncle Kelly Davis will be sorely missed, but the short time that we spent together was a life-changing honor. He had the same familiar spirit that you (recognize) know when someone is truly `ohana and a warm honesty that is not often found today. He shared the wisdom of generations, the genius of ancient knowledge, and genuine Polyneisan hospitality. Uncle Kelly, as we called him, shared such a keen spiritual connection to us that many times nothing had to be explained, yet there was clear understanding. Ua hala `e ka Pu`ulena, aia i Hilo. Although the Pu`ulena rains have passed, Uncle will always be with us as we continue our journey to Hilo in this next phase and to a sustainable future for our people."
- Layne Richards, Kamehameha Fellow
"Uncle Kelly was an inspirational guide for us as we toured many of the sacred rivers of his peoples. His clear thoughts expressing his unwavering beliefs and values were a major contribution to our learning and understanding. In many ways he gifted a part of himself to us before his departure, and for that we are graciously blessed."
- Noa Lincoln, Kamehameha Fellow | | | | |  How does Aotearoa fit into the scope of the First Nations' Futures Program?
The vision of the First Nations' Futures Program includes a desire to develop well balanced First Nation's leaders who serve their community through public or professional roles. Rather than transplant or remove individuals from their environment to learn within a false aesthetic setting, the program is brought to the fellows in their natural environments, be it Hawai'i, Alaska, or Aotearoa -- where our first place-based study took place.
The program convened on the campus of Stanford University to provide a solid platform for the applied part of the program -- a series of problem based learning experiences in Aotearoa, Hawai'i and Alaska through place focused projects with each of the partner communities.
Aotearoa was our first stop within the series, and program partner Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu served as welcoming hosts in the first project that concentrated on the life giving source: water.
The aim was essentially to develop a water framework that accords Ngai Tahu values, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development, in consideration of contemporary governance structures and competing stakeholder interests. With that, the objectives:
1. Vision
Develop a statement that evokes the ideal scenario for Ngai Tahu in respects to freshwater.
2. Freshwater in Aotearoa
Identify and explain the statutory and legislative frameworks, and contesting use that influences water management in Aotearoa.
3. Water Values
Reaffirm the key values for Ngai Tahu in respect to water resources.
4. Environmental Leadership
The scarcity of water is expected to be a serious concern in the near future, therefore future directions for water use will require strong leadership and best decision making practices at the local scale. An objective from the case study is to empower local leadership in environmental management.
5. Water the Asset
Developing a framework that optimizes the cultural, social, and economic returns from tribal assets in respect of freshwater resources with particular reference to ...
a. Tangata Whenua / Iwi
b. Economic
c. Health
d. Environmental
e. Recreational
6. Alternative Options
Consider alternative options for river management and water use, and surrounding land use.
7. The Water Framework
Developing a freshwater framework for Ngai Tahu. | | | | | As the iwi for much of Te Waipounamu (South Island) of Aotearoa, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu served as hosts for this first phase of place-based studies. As one of the partners within FNFP, Ngai Tahu opened the controversial topic of water management for our fellows to tackle from a variety of perspectives. Each research fellow has expertise in serving their communities at various levels be it the extensive knowledge in education, language revitalization, environmental management, aquaculture and communication, and tourism. Therefore, to maximize the diverse skills and experience of the research fellows, it was important that each fellow investigate how the scope of their discipline could contribute to the development of a freshwater framework.
As hosts, it is only appropriate to understand a little about Ngai Tahu. Te Rûnanga o Ngâi Tahu was established by the Te Rûnanga o Ngâi Tahu Act 1996 and services the tribe's statutory rights and ensures that the benefits of the Settlement are enjoyed by Ngâi Tahu whânui now and in the future. Its vision simple and poetic, yet strong with meaning: Mo tatou, a, mo ka uri amuri ake nei - For us and our children after us.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu works on behalf of the iwi to manage the collective assets of Ngāi Tahu whānui and to promote and ensure the interests and aspirations of Ngāi Tahu whānui. Having sponsored three Ngai Tahu fellows, the interaction and sharing amongst the fellows opened communications of understanding of old and contemporary ways of Aotearoa to make it possible to move forward with proper knowledge and framework. | | | | |  Having prepared for the Water Forum from the beginning of the project on January 21, the fellows worked diligently to co-sponsor and present within the Ngai Tahu Water Forum held from February 3 - 5. The forum served as a climactic research venue where all stakeholders were welcomed to share on various points of views on the subject matter: water. Given its importance and heated historical debate, the subject matter certainly was one to elicit great attention within the community.
At the very least, Ngai Tahu made it known that they are willing to stand up and take a stake within the water debate. The effort is to see change, and see change for the better. Standing true to the driven vision of Ngai Tahu: "For us and for our future." The fellows were proud to be a part of a start in the right direction. Opening lines of communication was key, and the Water Forum served that purpose fully.
In the end, the fellows produced three ground breaking products from the three-day forum. First, a monograph summarizing the presentations was developed to distribute to all participants as a vehicle to continue the discussions and relationships started at the forum. Second, a more detailed situational analysis was submitted to Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu for their consideration. This comprehensive paper incorporated the issues and responses brought forth from the forum with the research data and experiences collected by the fellows throughout the field study. Finally the fellows worked diligently to produce a multi-media presentation that encapsulated the issues surrounding TRONT's ability to manage water resources for Ngai Tahu. In particular the fellows presented a potential frame work for TRONT to use in evaluation of future and ongoing investments.
Overall, the fellows' stay in Aotearoa lasted from January 21 to February 16. Having given a part of themselves to Aotearoa and Ngai Tahu, the fellows take away with them the fact that their work was a start to realizing a betterment of native people and serving the purpose of FNFP. The Hawai`i fellows leave a part of themselves in Aotearoa and take with them a part of Aotearoa. | | | | |  We were honored to have two directors from Stanford University's Woods Institute for the Environment take time from their busy schedules for a short visit to Aotearoa to attend the Water Forum in Christchurch.
Jeffrey Koseff, Director, Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University, has been instrumental in developing the vision for the interdisciplinary work on environmental issues at Stanford. A professor of civil and environmental engineering and, by courtesy, of chemical engineering, Professor Koseff served on the Provost Committee for the Environment and the advisory committees for the undergraduate Earth Systems Program; the Goldman Interschool Honors Program in Environmental Science, Technology and Policy; the Global Climate and Energy Project; and the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Environment and Resources.
Jeff spoke about his research on the San Francisco Bay system and how it has affected policy making in the area. Key messages from his talk touched on the need for integrated management and systems based view of natural resources along with the necessity for flexibility and collaboration to create win-win situations. | | | | |  A leading expert in environmental and natural resources law and policy, Barton H. "Buzz" Thompson has contributed a large body of scholarship on environmental issues ranging from the future of endangered species and fisheries to the use of economic techniques for regulating the environment. He is the founding director of the law school's Environmental and Natural Resources Program, director of and a senior scholar at the Woods Institute for the Environment, and a senior scholar at the Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies. Professor Thompson is chairman of the Natural Heritage Institute and a board member of the the Nature Conservancy of California, the American Farmland Trust, the Resources Legacy Fund, and the Resources Legacy Fund Foundation.
Buzz introduced the Public Trust Doctrine to the forum, illustrating how the doctrine has been utilized in the United States. In addition, the doctrine was something that may warrant further consideration in the context of New Zealand. The Public Trust Doctrine accepts water as a public good based on basic principles of human rights and survival whereby the government has an obligation to protect waterways for the good of the public. Therefore the public have the right to take legal action against the government if water is mismanaged. Key aspects of the Public Trust Doctrine include an intergenerational and evolutionary policy approach which guides the government to re- evaluate previous decisions in the current context.
Buzz and Jeff spoke on behalf of Prof. Peter Vitousek, who unfortunately could not join the forum as planned. They illustrated the importance of ecosystem services and the current and future challenges associated with the growing demands on these services on a global scale. | | | | |  Ngai Tahu Fellows, Brett Eruera Ellison, David O'Connell, and Brendon Te Tiwha Puketapu served as gracious hosts in Aotearoa to FNFP. Their warmth and open arms to their other FNFP Fellows was graciously appreciated as the three Ngai Tahu Fellows welcomed the program and its purpose to their homeland.
In their words:
The Aotearoa - Ngāi Tahu case study was experimental, arduous, yet ultimately rewarding. The focus of this study was freshwater management in Aotearoa, and Ngāi Tahu interests in the sustainable management of freshwater. Ngāi Tahu leadership and engagement with this study was well received by community leaders from the public and private sectors across Te Waipounamu (South Island), and further a field. The fellows played a key role in these discussions by facilitating workshops on the freshwater issues and challenges facing Ngāi Tahu and the wider community. .
We were pleased to share time during this programme with Kelly Davis, who passed away recently. His knowledge and experience were a welcomed and respected contribution to the Ngāi Tahu Water Forum. As a recognised Ngāi Tahu Kaumatua, Kelly was highly regarded for his intimate understanding of freshwater environments. He was extraordinarily supportive of the fellowship programme. Kelly particularly appreciated the opportunity to engage with our Polynesian whānau.
Kelly's passing, soon after the completion of the Aotearoa - Ngāi Tahu study, was unexpected. He engaged with the programme openly and positively. For our part, we were firmly reminded to uphold our shared cultural and spiritual values, and promote an environment for succession and leadership for this generation and for those who follow.
Nāhaku noa nā
- Brett, David and Tiwha, Ngai Tahu Fellows | | | | |  "In heading to Aotearoa I did not expect to accomplish all that we did. Too often, abroad experiences are stifled, either by a lack of understanding by the outsiders or a lack of reception from the locals. I learned during this experience the extent of support that can materialize when you pursue a worthy cause. It was empowering to see the accomplishments of a small collaboration of young individuals, and even more so to see and identify my own contributions to the effort.
While there were many lessons in Te Waka o Aoraki, a major theme for me was valuation, and how in its current western state, valuation is very nearly arbitrary. To see traditional hunting grounds that supplied millions of tons of food a year valued at nothing, yet immediate value is attached when commercially fished. To see water treated frivolously because of its relative abundance, never valuing the water for its essential life giving properties until there isn't enough of it. To see both future and past generations valued less than the present one."
- Noa Lincoln, Kamehameha fellow | | | | |  Given my business and engineering background, I approached our field study with the thought of learning how man should best control his environment for maximum benefit. Instead, the issues surrounding the freshwaters of Te Wai Pounamu forced me ('ike) to think more in line of an all- encompassing natural system; a system where man and his actions were just a part of the whole.
In Canterbury we observed how draws from the rivers were not metered because people saw an abundance of running water. But the end effects caused polluted runoffs, shrinking of the salt water lagoons, and shifts in the landscape. We also heard of how well intentioned acts such as commercial investments for the tribe could have detrimental effects if these dairies and forestry investments pollute the habitats and change the lifestyles of your own beneficiaries. We also learned the need to incorporate a systems approach for legislation since Canterbury's environmental laws did not consider a fundamental issue such as cumulative effects.
So I took back with me the charge to continue to turn to our cultural ways. Indigenous ways of knowing are built upon centuries of observation and understanding of the natural systems distinct to our place. Our kūpuna developed the means to live in a system that sustained civilization for hundreds of years. Since returning I've gotten involved in our community watershed projects and pushed for the establishment of the 'Aha Moku - local councils of traditional farmers and fishermen.
- Daniel Naho'opi'i, Kamehameha fellow | | | | |  When I think of home, I think of spectacular beauty, biological diversity, and hospitality second to none. I discovered recently, though, that this is not (necessarily) especially unique to Hawai`i, but is also shared by our cousins in the southern hemisphere. Aotearoa, or more accurately, Te Waiponamu was the second adventure of several that the First Nations Futures program offers. I was fortunate to have traveled to New Zealand previously, but Te Waiponamu, one of the names Maori call South Island, was a completely new experience. The name "Te Waiponamu" describes the cold waters of the South Island that contain the revered greenstone, a precious taonga or treasure by Maori. Shortly after the Hawai`i fellows arrived in Christchurch, we were welcomed in a powhiri by the Ngai Tahu (the host iwi) and each given a hei mere, a green stone piece that would protect us through our journey.
We were blessed and directed in so many different ways by kupuna, tipuna, tipua, kupa `aina, `aina, moe `uhane, ho`ailona, and `aumakua. We had a great diversity of experiences: climbing to see cave art, dined in an old Victorian house, rode at 40mph up Shotover river, gathered and ate cockles, watched kiwi birds run around and feed, etc. One of us even bungee jumped.
Spending time with our Maori cousins affirmed our commitment to making decisions based on our cultural values. We have the intellectual and emotional strength to bring positive change to our people. I saw the empowerment they created for all their people by directly managing the many divisions of TRoNT and the strength that came in this self determination and non-dependency on government support. I was especially interested in a new program set up by TRoNT to encourage members to save for post-secondary education. Kiwis have traditionally relied on the government to provide free higher education. This has recently changed, with families now burdened directly with tuition. The TRoNT organization set up a savings match program which in its initiation looks to be extremely valuable. It will help to position future generations of Maori in a strong economic and academic foundation.
I realize that an important facet of Hawaiian leadership is the stewardship of resources in the context of Hawaiian values. I found Kamehameha Schools to be very similar to TRoNT in many ways. Whereas Maori are organized into tribal iwi, Hawaiians subscribe to organizations. Hawaiians apply to be recognized members of our own iwi: such as OHA, DHHL, `Alu Like, KS.
The ponamu we wore around our necks not only protected us during our stay, they were also symbols for the comfort and guidance received from Te Waiponamu. Mahalo a nui.
- Layne Kahinuonalani Richards | | | | | | The fellows will assemble again from 18 May to 15 June 2007 in Hawai`i for the next place/problem based learning opportunity - the Hawai`i project. The focus for this second project, hosted by program partner Kamehameha Schools, will be the critical issue of sustainable tourism in Hawai`i.
What is the carrying capacity of this place - how large a visitor industry can these moku sustain - and what happens to the people and economy if we are already at our limits? These are some of the questions that the fellows will no doubt grapple with. As in Aotearoa, the program will again host a forum - which in this case will focus on sustainable tourism. The forum will be held in Hilo at the `Imiloa Astronomy Center on 24-25 May. | | | | Noho ora mai ra. Naku noa, na
BJ Awa Editor
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