Nga Waka Representatives join Tribal Canoe Journey

Nga Waka Federation Representatives join Tribal Canoe Journeys 2010

Four of Toi Maori | Nga Waka Federation members have been selected to journey on board canoes alongside American indigenous tribes; the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde from Portland, Oregon and the Suquamish Tribe in Seattle as part of the 2010 Tribal Journeys which involves thousands of people from 60 tribal nations in America and Canada.

The four members are Francis Mamaku and Waimirirangi Conrad who will join the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. Bronwyn Hetaraka and Karen Kite will be with the Suquamish Tribe.

“Our inclusion in this prestigious event recognises both the success and mana around New Zealand’s indigenous art in America.” said Toi Maori General Manager, Garry Nicholas.

“Through these important connections, made as part of our International strategy, Toi Maori are able to continue to offer opportunities for Maori artists in America.”

The success of the 2005 San Francisco ‘Maori Art Meets America’ exhibition, lead by Toi Maori, saw it transformed into ‘Toi Maori Eternal Threads. This subsequently toured throughout the United States in 2005 and 2006 and included Warm Springs, Portland - Oregon and Seattle. One of the major factors in the success of these exhibitions was the connections made with American indigenous people and has resulted in ongoing relationships through Maori art and culture.

In October 2008 Toi Maori also exhibited Toi Maori Small Treasures at the De Young Museum in San Francisco. While there Darcy Nicholas, General Manager Community Services of Porirua City and Waana Davis, Chair of Toi Maori, visited Portland, Oregon and met representatives from the Siletz and Grand Ronde tribes. Through this meeting an invitation was extended by Bobby Mercier, Cultural Leader and Canoe Master from the Grand Ronde for Toi Maori to attend the annual Tribal Canoe Journeys 2009.

After paddling 181 nautical miles and being hosted by different Tribes and reservations along the way, Tamahou Temara and Francis Mamaku shared their knowledge and experiences of Nga Waka Federation, which is responsible for the management of waka at the annual Waitangi waka (ceremonial canoe) pageants established since 1990. Here is a link featured on the 2009 tribal journeys from their perspectives http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/aug/07/some-journeys-arelonger- than-others/

A reciprocal invitation for two representatives from Suquamish and one from the Grand Ronde to participate in the annual Waitangi Waka Pageant in the Bay of Islands. They had the opportunity to experience paddling the mighty Ngatokimatawhaorua with a full crew of 80 kaihoe. They shared their experiences back in America.

This year the MAKAH TRIBE will host the end of journey events July 19, 2010. Tribal Journeys for 2010 will culminate in Neah Bay, located on the most Northwest point of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. Official Canoe Landing and Protocol will be on July 19th with additional events continuing for a few days.

News link article attached from Grand Ronde Newspaper Smoke Signals. http://www.grandronde.org/news/Content.aspx?id=8448

News link article attached from Seattle Newspaper Kitsap Sun. http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/feb/01/cultural-exchange-spans-pacific-from-suquamish/

ENDS

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