

28. Whale Dreaming & Ocean Songlines - with WHAIA
11 snips Apr 3, 2025
Dive into the mesmerizing world of whale songs and ancient Māori traditions with Whaia, a brilliant sonic weaver. Explore the powerful intersection of voice, music, and oceanic heritage, revealing how whales communicate through unique melodies. Discover the importance of reclaiming cultural instruments and the profound healing potential of sound. Join us as we reflect on the sacred connection between humanity and nature, and ponder what messages the whales might share with us today.
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Whale Songs Impact
- Roger Payne's album Songs of the Humpback Whale showcased whales' complex songs.
- This raised public awareness, leading to marine protection acts and whaling moratoriums.
Māori Seafaring
- The Māori, indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), are skilled seafarers.
- Their mythology includes whale-riding legends, and they navigated vast oceans using stars and natural cues.
Whaia's Ancestry
- Whaia's ancestry is Māori from Aotearoa, New Zealand, with lineage tied to the Takitimu Waka.
- Raised by her Māori grandparents, she later lived in the Australian desert with Aboriginal family, leading to a journey of cultural reclamation.