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.
