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Special Session

SS 22 - Empowering Mātauranga to Model the Life Supporting Capacity of Ecosystems

Wednesday, August 9, 2023
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PDT
Location: D135
Session Description: Mātauranga is the Indigenous Epistemology or ways of knowing of Māori. The ancestors of the Māori settled Aotearoa New Zealand a millenium ago, having navigated the largest expanse of open water on earth (approximately one third of the earth’s surface) using the stars, ocean rhythms, and ocean ecology as their way of knowing. That extensive understanding of ecological systems was then applied to ensuring the flourishing of their decendants in that specific ecosystem of origin.

For flourishing to occur, the life supporting capacity of ecosystems must be enhanced and understood from the perspective of intrinsic belonging. The deep understanding embodied in mātauranga is now being relied upon to inform relationships to water, to reform past policy and laws, to respond to challenges such as climate change and natural disasters, and to justify nationaly funded research. The sharing of mātauranga assists other Indigenous Peoples to monitor and understand the rapid and complex changes occurring in their ecosystems of origin. And providing the opportunity to hear of the experiences that resonate with participating Indigenous Peoples.

This session will role model Indigenous self-determination; By, With and For Indigenous. Peoples. The approach taken will draw on Indigenous protocols for knowledge sharing. The session will see each of the co-organisers share a facet of their Indigenous way of knowing that informs their unique perspective on understanding ecosystem complexity. These facets could include for example perspectives on: belonging; relationality; time; reciprocity; responsibility; hierarchy; and ecological cycles. This discussion will inform Indigenous ways of respecting and enhancing the life supporting capacity in all things. The understandings shared with others participating in the session will provide the basis for an enriched exploration of ecosystem modelling informed by the unique experiences from the Indigenous nations in attendance.

Programme: 90 minutes

  • 20 minutes Karakia, Whakatau / Welcome, Introductions

  • 30 minutes Whaikorero / Perspectives

  • 30 minutes Wānanga / Discussion

  • 10 minutes Whakakapi / Wrap-up