Cherokee First Nation group welcomed for cultural exchange at Ara | Te Pūkenga

_{Ara Executive Director Te Tiriti Partnerships Te Marino Lenihan greets visiting teacher Catcuce Tiger}

For the second time in recent weeks, Ara | Te Pūkenga has hosted a First Nation group looking to share insights into resisting neo-colonialism and revitalising indigenous language and culture.

The exchange between Ara and the Appalachian State University (ASU) group made up of students, teachers, community leaders and academics, was supported by a US$100,000 grant from the United States Embassy.

The goal of the exchange project was to develop a cross-cultural bridge and a vibrant partnership between mana whenua (local Māori) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee peoples (Anigiduwagi) in North Carolina.

In his first-time off home soil, high school Cherokee language and history teacher Catcuce Tiger said he’d been struck by the visibility of te reo Māori since arriving in New Zealand.

“It’s saturated in the media and when you get off the airplane it’s visible. For our people back home, outside of our small community, that isn’t the case,” he said. “Our culture has been suppressed for so many hundreds of years that many of our people are hesitant to use it openly because they feel uncertain and protective.”

Tiger said he believed the impact of the exchange would be far reaching with students sharing their knowledge and confidence for decades to come.

“Making these connections and seeing the pride here will hopefully remind these students that they have things to be proud of too and that they can learn more too. Realising that it’s ok not to know things but to feel empowered to go to the right people to learn from and teach them is so important,” he added.

Ara Executive Director Te Tiriti Partnerships, Te Marino Lenihan, agreed that seeking out other indigenous groups can give new perspectives - especially where cultures are less visible and are undervalued as is seen in the United States.

“This is one of the layers of benefit that come with exchanges between indigenous people. We get inspired by each other,” he said. “You see the similarities - and there are so many similarities - often then you don’t feel so alone in the world.”

The Indigenous Peoples Study Abroad Collaboration project strengthens a long-standing relationship between Ara and ASU that has included staff and student exchanges in outdoor education, sustainability, photography, nursing, science and business, over many years.

“Now we’ve connected with indigenous learners and staff which provides a further layer to our relationship,” Lenihan said.

US Ambassador to New Zealand Tom Udall accompanied the group as they were welcomed at Ara. Thanking Ara staff, he told those gathered he simply wanted to show support for the exchange which was “truly one of the best things we can support as a US mission”.

“One of my greatest priorities as ambassador is to increase people-to-people connections between indigenous groups here in Aotearoa and in the United States.  I know your experiences and culture are different, but there are many links and there is so much to learn from one another,” Udall added.

Tiger, who was not brought up immersed in his culture, said growing his knowledge gave him a sense of inner belonging and pride which was powerful and made him feel whole.

“I feel grateful to have a culture that is strong and vibrant. I feel we as Cherokee people have a beautiful language and thriving customs as do the Māori people and I’m excited to learn, share, and grow together through this cultural exchange,” he said.

The group took part in a two-week programme of activities under the guidance of Ara’s acting Head of the Department of Humanities, Dr Allen Hill, and staff from Te Puna Wanaka lead by Stan Tawa and Heperi Harris.