Science, Maori and Indigenous Knowledge

Description

This is an integrated multi-disciplinary course between Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies and the College of Science.
MAOR172 is about understanding Māori knowledge, how it’s used, where it comes from and how it can be applied in a modern context. This paper provides a basic understanding of the knowledge of Māori and Indigenous people in a range of scientific fields. This exciting new integration of disciplines will show you a unique perspective on Māori knowledge in such fields as astronomy, physics and conservation biology.

An important part of MAOR172 is understating how Māori knowledge is still relevant in modern Aotearoa, especially in an environmental context like kaitiakitanga. This paper will also demonstrate the overlap and relationship between Māori knowledge and western science with input from different scientific fields. One of the most enjoyable aspects of MAOR172 is a field trip to Kaikoura to see firsthand the way the local hapū and community are using Māori knowledge and drawing upon Western science to achieve their aspirations.

MAOR172 is an extremely useful paper for anyone studying or intending to work within a field of science liable to engage with Māori communities. This paper will provide you with research and analytical skills relevant to both Māori and scientific careers and the overlapping knowledge will place you in the highly valued position of being able to apply those skills in a variety of culturally sensitive roles.    

Science is a contemporarily dominant form knowledge creation; what understandings can indigenous science bring to the table
• What is the place of indigenous knowledge compared and contrasted to a common understanding of science and is there a space they can talk to each other for mutual gain?
• Policies in New Zealand encourage a Māori insight in relation to the environment, what is Kaitiakitanga or Māori Resource Management and is it helpful?
• What technology and techniques did Māori understand and apply that could be considered science in a modern sense?
• Considering the explorative nature of science, what should science contemplate in regards to Māori Protocol, in what situations and why?

Some themes in this course are:
• Indigenous Knowledge: What are the traditions of science within Māori and Indigenous societies. Creation traditions, traditional technologies, traditional ecology.
• Kaitiakitanga: Resource management, Marine management, Treaty of Waitangi, Manawhenu partnership, Mahinga kai/ Food gathering resources
• Relationships: How does science and Māori communities work together; Earth science, Indigenous peoples and heritage sites, Freshwater issues, Astronomy, Bioethics and culture, Māori health research.

Learning Outcomes
• Basic understanding in Māori and Indigenous studies people’s knowledge in science fields
• Understand protocols that exist between scientific communities, Māori, and other Indigenous communities and why.
• Attain a unique perspective of Māori and other Indigenous knowledge, western science, and where they overlap.
• Acquire essential background understanding of cultural awareness, increased cultural confidence, and the relationship with the contemporary New Zealand scientific community

Why this Paper?
This is a uniquely cultural paper for the science community supporting pathways towards:
• Scientific research in New Zealand
• Government policy
• Consultation in Māori research
• Professional social services, education, and health sector roles that interface with Iwi and Māori organisations.
• Multiple opportunities in further Māori and Indigenous Research


Transferrable Skills:
This course contributes to the development of the following transferable skills:
• Academic Writing
• Cultural lens
• Applying the Treaty of Waitangi
• Environmental practical knowledge