October 31, 2017
Native Americans share Maori research
A doctorate programme for professionals working in indigenous development is drawing students from around the world to Whakatane.
The programme is offered by Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi in partnership with the University of Washington Tacoma.
Eight students from Native American tribes in Washington State visited the wananga this month, at the half way point of their initial two years of course work.
This will be followed by two years to write a thesis.
Professor Nathan Matthews, head of the School of Indigenous Graduate Studies, said the international cohort’s research is similar to research being undertaken by Maori doctoral students.
It will focus on the tribal, community or indigenous areas in which they are working, and include topics such as cultural and language revitalisation, relationships with the federal government, and tribal economy.
Professor Matthews says at an international level, Awanuiarangi plays a key role in promoting the legitimacy of indigenous knowledge and its application in developing innovative, durable development solutions informed by the values of the local context.
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