Spent an amazing day at Whangara Marae where we reconnected (or in my case connected) with Maori culture. A marae is a sacred Maori meeting place (see here for further information).
Reminded me how powerful the Maori language and culture is, as well as fun, funny and welcoming. Some points I gleaned:
- Need to understand the culture before you begin to build the building (or, in our case, the exhibition)
- People's life stories are interwoven with their work history
- Importance of genealogy in Maori culture
- Maori struggles for repatriation and recognition in museums mirror those of Australian Indigenous people
- Cultural objects need to be steeped within the context of their culture and kept warm
- What is the true version of truth?
- Need to remember that we who work in museums are there to 'serve the people' (not the other way round, something wroth being reminded of I think)
- Focus on the core business
- Need to have and maintain good relationships – if people don't get on nothing happens
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