Hana Burgess Te Kahuratai Painting Onamata, Anamata - A whakapapa perspective of Maori futurisms, Whose Futures.

Introduction

This document is produced by Economic and Social Research Aotearoa, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, New Zealand. It is based on the content edited by Anna-Maria Murtola and Shannon Walsh in the publication Whose Futures?. The excerpts aim to explore themes of intergenerational relations and the concept of Māori futurism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of past and future generations through the lens of the Māori concept of whakapapa.

Māori Futurism and Whakapapa

The essence of Māori futurism is encapsulated in the understanding of whakapapa, which relates to genealogy, but encompasses far broader connections to the environment, spiritual and physical entities, and the relations between them. Whakapapa signifies layers of relationships and existence, extending beyond human bonds into the realms of the natural world and celestial movements. Each generation participates in an ongoing process that informs and shapes the future while being deeply rooted in the past.

Intergenerational Relations

The concept of onamata (the past) and anamata (the future) highlights how every generation is connected, like droplets in the ocean of time, continuously navigating through these intergenerational waters. The act of engaging with one's whakapapa is portrayed as essential for Māori peoples to understand their role in shaping a just and sustainable future. The intrinsic value of knowing one’s heritage cultivates a sense of obligation toward future generations, fostering a reciprocal relationship with both ancestors and descendants.

Components of Whakapapa

Interconnectedness of All Beings

Whakapapa connects all forms of existence, not just humans. This ideology suggests that all entities share a relationship that influences their respective purposes and roles in the wider universe. By understanding one's whakapapa, one can identify their responsibilities towards ancestors (tūpuna) and descendants (mokopuna), framing existence as a relational continuum rather than an isolated experience.

Importance of Place and Environment

Whakapapa also emphasizes the significance of the natural world. The ancestors (ngā atua) impart wisdom and guidance to humans about nurturing their environment. With every action, individuals lay down their whakapapa, emphasizing the interconnectedness with land and the sea, reinforcing that no relationship exists in isolation.

Whanaungatanga: Being in Good Relation

Whanaungatanga refers to the act of being in good relation, which is fundamentally about acknowledging the web of relationships formed through whakapapa. The Māori perspective posits that all existence is relational, and enhancing these relationships defines the health of individuals, communities, and the environment. This concept opposes the principles of settler colonialism, which disrupt relationships and isolate individuals within a framework that privileges dominance over connectedness.

The Role of Ngā Atua and Mana

Ngā atua (gods) play a crucial role in the maintenance of mana, which embodies power, influence, and spiritual strength within relationships. Respecting and enhancing mana within whānau (family), hapū (subtribe), and iwi (tribe) is essential for fostering good relationships. This deep connection to ancestry, land, and environment provides guidance about obligations to fulfill these mundane and spiritual ties.

Settler Colonialism as Antithesis

The document argues that settler colonialism is fundamentally opposed to the values embedded within whanaungatanga and can severely disrupt intergenerational relationships. It exemplifies how settler colonialism minimizes connectivity, promoting isolation and perpetuating narratives that erase Indigenous history and identity. Engaging critically with settler colonialism is deemed essential for healing and restoring whanaungatanga that has faced historical violence and disruption.

Resistance through Whakapapa

Understanding whakapapa empowers individuals to resist the narratives of settler colonialism. It offers a pathway to reclaim identity and autonomy in the face of oppressive structures. The emphasis is placed on looking to the past to envision a future that honors the teachings of ancestors while firmly grounding Indigenous peoples in the present.

Concluding Remarks

Māori futurism, as illustrated throughout this text, calls upon individuals to reflect on their relationships with ancestors and future generations. It urges a continual engagement with whakapapa—shaping an understanding of good relations based on interdependence and obligation. The authors assert that no matter how little one knows of their whakapapa, it is a work in progress, inviting individuals to connect with their histories and envision futures in good relationship with all beings and the environment.

Each generation plays a crucial role in forming the future, thus, encouraging ongoing reflections on how one acts today sustains their relationships with past generations and future descendants. As Māori, understanding one's place in this continuum of time is not merely about knowledge; it is about perspective, nurturing life through relational authenticity and balance.