On being a visitor in Aotearoa for the Kokiri Putahi and the Dakota diaspora

Ngapuhi marae

There are approximately 130 people here, most considered master artists, and about half of those are Maori from Aotearoa. The other half are internationals from Turtle Island (north america), Australia, American Samoa and Hawaii. There are several Alaska Natives: Tlingit and Haida, as well as Haudenosaunee and Eastcoast tribes are represented and a few Southwest tribal people. There are no other Dakota people here, or any cousins from the Seven Council Fires, so I have to admit to feeling somewhat adrift, since there are usually some of us around at gatherings of indigenous people, not least of which might be family. It has allowed me to reflect on the diaspora of Dakota people that live all over – and that here, in the Pacific Rim, there is a place for us to exchange ideas and build relationships with our relatives across the sea.

The hospitality of the Maori people, specifically the Ngapuhi, who are hosting the hui (means “gathering”) as well as folks from all around the country, I’d classify as legendary, so despite feeling alone in that regard, I feel like I have gained more family here.  We are being hosted with such care and regard, that I’m taken aback by the generosity of this community. Sleeping alongside my compatriots in the intricately carved and painted marae, which houses visual depictions of ancestral histories, is quite an experience! Meals that have been loving prepared are so tasty that I’ve no doubt added a bit more padding around the middle, and with my gluten allergy in mind, the cooks have been preparing special meals for me. I’ve eaten new things: my favorites have been kina – a sea urchin, kumara – a delicious sweet potato and some amazing local chocolates made in Kerikeri.

We Dakota have so much in common with folks here – one of those is a powerful  artistic tradition. Here, carving, weaving, dance, Taumoko (tattoo), uku, and lots of other types of visual arts are revered, and structures have been put place to help foster the arts. It is inspiring to be amongst it, and it creates an atmosphere very conducive to creativity.

Muddies Unite!

What do a hair pick, kitchen utensils, hacksaw blade and vinegar have in common? These are some of the tools used by the “muddies” (as clay artists are lovingly called here) that come from household goods. Uku is the Maori word for clay and many of the artists here belong to a collective of uku workers. The quality of work coming out of this collective is beyond compare, in my view, and is comprised of a broad range of supremely talented and dedicated folks whose work stems from their Maori cultural traditions. It’s an honor to be a muddie at this Kokiri Putahi, and I’ve found a camaraderie with this group that I’ve never quite experienced. I’m loving it and learning so much – from Maori stories that inform gorgeous design work to tips and tricks like using vinegar to join clay seams. Muddies unite!

Getting Ready

I am getting ready to fly from one end of the Pacific to another. A journey of over 5,500 miles to the other side of the planet. Everything I have heard from artists who have been invited in years past has solidified my resolve to go. "Life changing experience," is the phrase I've heard repeatedly. It's an honor to have been invited, and I'm humbled by the fact that some of the best practicing artists in the world will be attending. This year the gathering will be taking place in Kaikohe, Northland, New Zealand or Aotearoa, as it is known by its original Maori inhabitants.

So much planning has gone into this. My dad just arrived from Sisseton to come to stay with the five kids for the two and a half weeks I will be gone. I could not do this without the love and support of my mom, Carolyn, husband Brett, sister Heather, kids (Sam, Alex and Ruby), and my co-workers Tina and Laura. It would also not be possible without the support of an artist grant from the Potlatch Fund, which I am so grateful to have received.

I will be taking part in the clay workshops and will be using this blog to document what I learn through this process. Thanks for reading!