He Whakapakari ake i te Tuakiri Maaori – Strengthening Maaori Identity through ‘Tuupuna Times’ –  Preserving the narratives of Ruuruhi (elderly women) and Koroheke (elderly men)

Dr. Tangiwai Rewi, University of Otago, New Zealand

The importance of knowing where you come from, who you are and where you belong is critical in developing a sense of identity in youth.  It is important to grow iwi Māori and Indigenous peoples’ capacity to record their elders’ narratives to strengthen young peoples’ identity and sense of belonging to their marae, longhouse, or land. Many whaanau (families)regret not having information about their parents' or grandparents’ stories before they pass away or succumb to dementia. Tuupuna Times is a seven-section questionnaire that has been used to teach  whaanau  how to record the narratives of their elders. This presentation explains the transformational and empowering elements of Tuupuna Times and the simplicity of how to use the questionnaire effectively.

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