Can balancing traditional indigenous practices with modern science create a more sustainable and spiritually connected world? How does preserving language and cultural history empower future generations?

Today’s guest is Dr. Aroha Harris, a distinguished historian and associate professor at the University of Auckland. Aroha specializes in Māori history, social and cultural studies, and is currently researching the legacy of early Māori nurses. With a focus on indigenous perspectives, Dr. Harris is also an advocate for the preservation of the Māori language and its integration into New Zealand’s education system.

In this episode, we explore the profound impact of preserving Māori history, language, and cultural practices in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Aroha Harris shares her extensive research on early Māori nurses and how their experiences reflect the broader history of colonization and resistance. We discuss the vital importance of reconnecting with one’s roots and the role that indigenous knowledge plays in modern environmental sustainability. Aroha highlights the significance of relationships in Māori culture, extending not only to people but to the natural world—mountains, rivers, and oceans—which are seen as having their own spirit and identity. As she emphasizes the need for the preservation of language and tradition, we delve into the cultural and political shifts in New Zealand, from the colonial history to the modern efforts in bilingualism. This conversation underscores the balance between indigenous knowledge and Western science and offers insights into how these perspectives can lead to a more spiritually connected and sustainable future.