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Tūturu Episode 5: Mātauranga Māori
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Indigenous scholars, educators, and anyone interested in decolonizing knowledge systems.
TL;DR
Mātauranga Māori is a modern term for an ancient Indigenous knowledge system rooted in deep observation of the natural world. It encompasses ways of knowing, being, and relating that emerge from specific places and environments. The speaker defends it against Western academic criticism, arguing that no single worldview holds a monopoly on truth.
Key Takeaways
- Mātauranga Māori is a modern term, coined in response to colonization, not a traditional word for knowledge; older terms like kōrero or wānanga were used.
- There is no singular 'Mātauranga Māori'; it is a catch-all for diverse tribal knowledge systems (iwi-specific), each rooted in unique local environments and traditions.
- Mātauranga Māori encompasses spiritual, physical, and relational knowledge, built from long-term observation of natural patterns like seasons, bird migrations, and plant cycles.
- Criticism of mātauranga Māori by Western academics reflects insular thinking; dismissing other knowledge systems has historically led to disasters like religious and world wars.
- Indigenous knowledge is place-based, emerging from the soils and waters of a specific location, shaping language, naming, architecture, and education in contextually relevant ways.
- Mātauranga Māori offers locally relevant solutions to global sustainability challenges, as it embodies eco-centric living that predates colonial disruption and aligns with UN objectives.
- Comparing mātauranga Māori to Western science is like comparing apples and oranges; both are valid systems of observation and conclusion, but they arise from different worldviews.
In This Video
- 00:00Origins of Mātauranga Māori
Mātauranga Māori is a modern term, a response to colonization, not a traditional word.
- 01:46Owning Modern Terms
Mātauranga Māori now reflects ancient, deep understanding of the world.
- 02:30Diverse Tribal Knowledge
There is no single Mātauranga Māori; it varies by tribe and place.
- 04:56Creation Narratives and Connection
Mātauranga Māori includes creation stories and connects people to the living world.
- 07:09Holistic Knowledge System
Mātauranga Māori integrates spiritual and physical aspects, rooted in long-term observation.
- 10:05Defending Against Criticism
Western critics are misinformed; Māori should define their own knowledge system.
- 12:07Sustainability and Healing
Mātauranga Māori offers eco-centric solutions for modern environmental issues.
Questions & Answers
Is Mātauranga Māori a traditional term?
No, it's a modern term developed as a response to colonization, not a traditional Māori word for knowledge.
What does Mātauranga Māori mean?
It's a catch-all phrase for Māori ways of knowing, being, and understanding, rooted in deep observation of the environment.
How is Mātauranga Māori connected to the land?
It grows from the soils and waters of a place, shaping language, customs, and knowledge passed down through generations.
Why do some criticize Mātauranga Māori?
Critics often think their way of knowing is the only way, but this ignores Māori knowledge built over centuries of observation.
Can Mātauranga Māori help with sustainability?
Yes, it offers locally relevant ways to live in harmony with the environment, as Māori did before colonization.
Key Terms
- Mātauranga Māori — A modern term for Māori knowledge systems, encompassing ways of knowing, being, and relating to the world.
- iwi — Tribes or extended kinship groups that are the primary repositories of Mātauranga Māori.
- taiao — The natural environment, which is central to Māori knowledge and practices.