Abstract:
Traditional Māori health systems (rongoā) - what was, is and will be? *Wikaire, Erena, (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, University of Auckland); *Harwood, Dr Matire, (Ngāpuhi, University of Auckland) *Pihama, Associate Professor Leonie, (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Mahanga, Ngā Māhanga a Tairi, Waikato University). INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND: Rongoā was the ‘traditional’ way by which we as Māori understood and cared for our health and wellbeing. Devastatingly, rongoā Māori is one of many core ‘traditional’ Māori knowledge elements that suffered huge decline through colonisation. What once were socially ‘normal’ traditional Māori primary healthcare practices, have now become almost a ‘last resort’ healthcare option for Māori. Subsequent reliance on Western medicines as a ‘first point of contact’ for healthcare has failed to ensure our flourishing as Māori and there are calls for the revitalisation of traditional Māori ways of being, doing and knowing. METHODS: This Kaupapa Māori research project aimed to renormalise the use of traditional Māori health practices (rongoā Māori) for whānau (families) in everyday life. Key informant interviews and whānau focus groups were completed with Māori with expertise pertaining to the research topic. RESULTS / CONCLUSIONS: Rongoā Māori has significant potential to contribute to indigenous sovereignty and Māori health gains by re-framing healthcare from a traditional Māori health perspective. Specifically, reaffirming Māori control over our own health and well-being. DISCUSSION: Re-normalising the gift that is rongoā requires understanding of the complexities of colonisation of rongoā Māori. This involves decolonising our understanding of what rongoā ‘was’ and ‘is’ so that we can realise what we want it to ‘be’. WHAT THIS ADDS? This research provides insight into the potential of traditional Māori health practices to contribute to reducing indigenous health inequities and moving towards tino rangatiratanga over our own wellness.