Five case studies to develop & implement culturally respectful scientific practices

Abstract

The brain is a crucial organ in biology because it controls a lot of important functions. It also has special significance for Indigenous people, although for very different reasons. My research integrates Western scientific, matauranga and tikanga (Maori ways of knowing and being) to study neurodegenerative diseases. The research I present today is about understanding the human brain, human tissue banks, bioethics, research relationships and laboratory practices through distinctly Māori lenses. I will present five case studies each centred on a Māori principle that addresses the sacredness, the livingness and the soul of the human brain from the Māori worldview by promoting a deep honour and respect of people both present and past. 1. Tapu: A Māori view of the brain, explores tapu itself and research about why the brain is extremely tapu. 2. Whānaungatanga: Ngāti Rangitihi, seeks the blessing of my iwi (tribe) to do research with human brain tissue 3. Tikanga: Developing culturally respectful protocols in the laboratory, is about the integration of tikanga into laboratory practices. 4. Manaakitanga: A Māori bioethical approach, applies manaakitanga, mutual mana enhancement and vision for Māori wellbeing to bioethics. 5. Kaitiakitanga: The Neurological Foundation of New Zealand Human Brain Bank, discusses kaitiakitanga in the context of caring for the human brain tissue that is bequeathed from families with brain disease. This research explores Matauranga Maori and Western scientific knowledge systems to bring about change in approach, engagement and practice of biomedical research. Tapu means sacred and restricted. Whanaungatanga means kinship. Tikanga is customary practice/ceremony. Manaakitanga is about hospitality and caring. Kaitikitanga means guardianship.