In this enlightening talk, Krushil Watene, a Peter Krauss Associate Professor in Philosophy at the University of Auckland, dives into the rich world of Māori philosophy, exploring concepts like whakapapa and its role in nurturing intergenerational justice. She discusses the importance of interconnectedness across cultures and time, showcasing how indigenous philosophies can guide environmental stewardship and social cohesion. Watene also emphasizes the need for healing historical injustices and empowering communities, advocating for innovative approaches to achieve a more just and sustainable future.
Māori philosophies emphasize the interconnectedness of relationships and responsibilities across generations, framing justice in relational terms to address environmental challenges.
The concept of kaitiakitanga highlights the active role of indigenous communities as custodians of ancestral knowledge, fostering accountability and innovation for sustainable futures.
Deep dives
Indigenous Philosophies and Intergenerational Justice
Indigenous philosophies, particularly Māori perspectives, emphasize the importance of relationships in understanding justice across generations. Concepts such as whakapapa illustrate how all things are interconnected across time and space, framing well-being and justice in relational terms. This relational approach highlights the need for communities to enact responsibilities towards both the environment and each other, rooted in a deep historical understanding. By contrasting these ideas with mainstream Western philosophies, which often neglect future considerations, indigenous perspectives provide alternative methods for addressing contemporary social and environmental challenges.
The Role of Kaitiakitanga
Kaitiakitanga, often interpreted as stewardship, underscores the responsibilities of Māori communities toward their environments, reflecting the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems. This concept is operationalized through practices that safeguard and regenerate relationships with nature, such as implementing restrictions to protect marine areas or granting legal rights to natural entities. Adaptations of traditional practices allow these communities to respond effectively to environmental crises while maintaining a commitment to future generations. By viewing these responsibilities as evolving traditions, kaitiakitanga embodies the importance of innovation in addressing both historical injustices and modern ecological challenges.
Facing Our Ancestors and Future Generations
The adage 'we walk forwards into the past and backwards into the future' encapsulates the indigenous understanding of time and responsibility, linking generations through shared histories and future aspirations. Present generations are seen as custodians of ancestral knowledge, tasked with learning from past struggles to inform actions that impact future generations. This relationship fosters a sense of accountability and encourages active engagement in collective healing and relational repair. Such engagement emphasizes the critical need to acknowledge and address the complexities of historical injustices while simultaneously cultivating hope for future well-being.
Empowering Local Communities for Change
Empowering local communities, particularly indigenous groups, plays a crucial role in enacting meaningful change and promoting justice. Indigenous philosophies advocate for these communities to be recognized as active agents in developing policies and practices that reflect their unique socio-environmental realities. By prioritizing local knowledge and innovations, broader societal frameworks can be reimagined to support sustainable development pathways. This approach necessitates flexibility and collaboration across various sectors to cultivate a rich tapestry of solutions that honor intergenerational relationships and ecological integrity.
Maori philosopher Krushil Watene is an outstanding scholar and part of a global leadership network working toward a sustainable future and a healthier planet. This week, delivering the 2024 Alan Saunders Lecture, she presents "Indigenous Philosophy and Intergenerational Justice".
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