Cultures explore common ground
First Nations team looks closer at Māori solution
An exchange of social work students in 1987 set up a relationship between iwi taketake of two nations, Canada and Aotearoa. That relationship continues today evidenced by a visit from a delegation of indigenous Canadians, who are working to stamp out violence in their communities and sex trafficking among their women and transgender whanau.
Led by women from the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the delegation, which includes two police officers and a researcher, leaves Aotearoa on Sunday.
The deep relationship the Centre and its people have with Waitomo Papakāinga started with an exchange of social work students in 1987.
“The students put us in touch with Katie (Murray, OMNZ, Waitomo Papakāinga Chief Executive) and her whānau, and life changed for us. The relationship we have with Waitomo Papakāinga is now one of our most meaningful relationships.
“We’ve become a family,” says spokeswomantammy Christensen.
The two communities continue to inspire each other by adopting and adapting ideas and practices and building on common experiences as indigenous peoples in a post-colonial world.
The Centre has successfully introduced New Zealand’s Family Group Conference (FGC) model. Members of the delegation met Justice and Corrections staff during their visit to deepen their understanding of how FGC works on the ground, especially for Māori whānau.
At home they’ve also built a lodge inspired by Māori marae in which a Tino Rangatiratanga flag proudly flies.
“The Grey Buffalo Grandfather Wellness Centre is a welcoming place that gives people the opportunity to experience a connection to the land, and to explore and experience indigenous culture, traditions and ceremonies. Guests have a safe space to hold conference, retreats, training, and meetings,” says Tammy.
“There is something super powerful about indigenous people helping other indigenous people.”
Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata translates as ‘We all work together to help one another’.
Tammy is a Cree woman from Norway House First Nation and has been involved in the centre for 25 years and is its next executive director.
The centre was established in 1984 as an indigenous-led, communitybased response to the unacceptably large numbers of indigenous Canadian children taken into state care.
It now operates 50 culturally relevant, prevention- and support-based programmes and services from 18 sites, primarily within the city of Winnipeg.
Ma Mawi has a staff of 200 and over 800 volunteers.
They provide families, children, and youth with community-based programmes.
The Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre bases their mahi on core values which echo those of E Tū Whānau.
“Like E Tū Whānau, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata whānau envision ‘ a safe, healthy, happy and interdependent community’ and work towards it by ‘strengthening children, families and community…. investing in our future.”
Beyond shared values, E Tū Whānau and Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre also enjoy growing connection. Various members of Ma Mawi presented on their moemoea, whakapapa and mahi at the digital Poutokomanawa Hapori Hui 2022. ■ Thanks to my friend Pamela Fleming and E Tu Whanau for this story. Your kaupapa is awesome.