‘Take Flight’: Working Together, Treasuring Our Collective Indigeneity
摘要
Indigenous women’s voices are worth celebrating. Tangata Taketake is an Indigenous term used in Aotearoa New Zealand to describe the essence of Indigenous peoples. Indigenous women who live in this country can freely talk about their experiences, tell their stories, and rejoice in their own traditions. This freedom has been both facilitated and hindered by Western influences. While Western influences have provided some platforms for expression, they have also imposed constraints and distortions upon Indigenous voices. The chapter draws from two Indigenous women, one author Indigenous to Aotearoa New Zealand and the other author is South African Indian but resides in Aotearoa New Zealand. Their narratives, rooted in tradition, yet dynamically evolving, offer insights into the complexities of identity, heritage, and belonging. To tell the narratives of our people, the evolution of our own Indigenous voices celebrates and honors our own womanhood from our own cultures will be the focus of this chapter. The exploration of gender roles, balance and decolonisation is discussed through our own stories. It is significant to ensure our voices are heard, are strong and are here for our next generations. This chapter uses narrative theory as a space to tell our experiences, share our knowledge and celebrate our evolving stance as Indigenous women living in a bicultural country.