Maui and Kahu's Excellent Adventure

Abstract

This extract forms part of an exploration of some of the issues related to pursuing environmental research and action with Indigenous peoples. The issues are explored within a narrative form which aims to present ideas for discussion in a way which is widely accessible and also reflects the importance of storytelling within many Indigenous communities. One of the central characters is named after and loosely based on Maui, an important figure in Maori mythology whose exploits are many and varied. Most of the main themes presented are drawn from Kaupapa Maori research methodology, and particularly Linda Tuhiwai Smith's Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples (1999).

The ideas discussed and the style of presentation also owe a great deal to the thought-provoking classes led by Dr Pat O'Riley at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education in which I was fortunate enough to participate in 2001-2002.

Keywords: Narrative, Indigenous Research, Culture, Storytelling.

JEL Classification: K10, A20