Waka Taurua: Integrating Science and Indigenous Knowledge

Sustainability Challenges and Indigenous Knowledge

• Science offers methods to understand sustainability challenges.
• Indigenous knowledge complements science, providing insights into social-environmental issues.
• Mātauranga understandings of well-being are more holistic than medicalized views of health.

Challenges in Integrating Knowledge Systems

• Differences in bodies of knowledge, tools, and norms can cause difficulties.
• Indigenous knowledge is place-based, observational, experiential, and values-driven.
• Indigenous knowledge is often misinterpreted when integrated into scientific processes.

Frameworks for Navigating Knowledge Systems

• Frameworks help scientists and Indigenous knowledge holders apply information from both systems.
• Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing): Integrates Indigenous and Western knowledge.
• Concepts like braiding and weaving emphasize bringing together different knowledge.

Waka Taurua Framework

• Represents Waka Māori and Waka Tauiwi (non-Māori) as two hulls of a canoe.
• Based on historical Māori practices of canoes coming together for specific tasks.
• Each canoe represents worldviews; the deck (papanoho) is a shared space for engagement.
• Each waka has paddles (hoe) representing tools and approaches from its knowledge system.
• Solutions are chosen based on merit or created through exploring commonalities and differences.

Key Principles

• Acknowledgment of shared histories and commitment to ongoing relationships.
• Guided by balance, reciprocity, and respect.
• Recognizes benefits in addressing issues collaboratively.

Case Study: Mussel Restoration in Ōhiwa Harbour

• Scientific research: Hydrodynamic modeling to understand nutrient distribution and shellfish larvae movement.
• Mātauranga: Knowledge of historical shellfish sites from elders.
• Elders narrated the decline in mussel abundance and overabundance of sea stars.
• Harakeke (flax) was used to create biodegradable mussel lines.

Shared Concepts

• Tohu (signs in nature) guide decisions, aligning with monitoring indicators in science.
• Mauri (life essence) is enhanced through scientific practices.

Importance of Respect and Integrity

• Waka Taurua helps determine the best approach to shared concerns.
• Both knowledge systems are respected, and their integrity is maintained.