Relationships Strengthened Between Waipareira and Indigenous Americans

Te Whānau o Waipareira and Indigenous Americans have enjoyed a strong bond since our CEO, John Tamihere was hosted at the 2015 Annual Tribal Self-Governance Consultation Conference in Nevada.

That bond has been significantly strengthened thanks to a recent visit by our Frontline Services Director, Iri Mako and Management Lead, Jole Thomson. Their 16-day trip boasted a full itinerary. Firstly they presented at the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona's 7th Annual Utteaka Nau Naawak Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) conference in Tucson - where they were the only presenters with giveaways and merchandise for each attendee. This was streamed live around the globe and once they finished Iri realised the impact they had had.

"When we finished our presentation in Tucson, Angela-Jo Lokalia Correa-Pei, Counsel, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, let us know that she booked her flights to Aotearoa during our presentation. We will host Angela next February 2025. Jole has a great idea for Waipareira to host an Urban Indigenous health and Social Services Wānanga. This idea came about after visiting the Native American Health Centre in San Francisco and the Intertribal Friendship House in Oakland. Both of these organisations were established for the same reasons Waipareira was, to support those whānau who had been relocated to the city by the government. Both places provided a safe place to practice culture and support indigenous wellbeing- as they said - 'culture is prevention'".

During their time in the United States Iri and Jole attended a powerful ceremony at Alcatraz marking the historic 1969-71 occupation and celebrating the shift from "Coloniser Pirate Day" to "Indigenous People's Day". They visited Napa Valley’s Suskol House, a place dedicated to preserving Native culture and sustainability. Additionally they were hosted at the Native American Health Center (NAHC) in Oakland, where they spent the day with the Community Wellbeing Team, ending the night with kai, pow wow dancing, and connections that have recharged their wairua. #WaiGlobal