Whakaora: Re-claiming the Indigenous Feminine Body through Dance as Ritual

Abstract

Ko Tākitimu te waka - Ko Moumoukai te maunga - Ko Waiora te awa - Ko Ngāti Kahungunu ki waiora te iwi - Ko Rakaipaaka te hapu - Ko Jade Whaanga toku ingoa. As a Wāhine my existence is proof of the resilience of my ancestors. To disregard our history is failure to acknowledge my tīpuna, failure to acknowledge me and the invisible scars of oppression marked deeper than the pigment of my skin. This is my research journey decolonising and re-claiming my indigenous feminine body through dance as ritual. Building a creative research practice around kaupapa Māori, tikanga, mana Wāhine theory and an indigenous worldview. Through practice led research I explore decolonising my body and the studio spaces I inhabit through the use of indigenous practices of ritual, ceremony, gathering and healing. This research explores forms of healing to provide a platform of further inquiry. Opening a dialogue to discuss how might we re-claim and heal indigenous feminine bodies through dance as ritual. Fusing individual workshopping and wānanga, I explore healing processes with the aim of finding balance between them to improve sense of hauora (holistic wellness). Guided by mirimiri/romiromi, traditional Māori healing, the research takes place through revitalising Wāhine hui whakapūmau (gatherings), wānanga (sharing/exchange), intended to foster whakawhānaungatanga (making and maintaining relationships). We explored the moon cycle as an ancient form of time-keeping for rituals and ceremonies. We are not your possession, nor something to have ownership over - We are not made for male pleasure or entertainment - We are however beings of power, creativity, resilience and life giving - We are free thinking, strong, natural, nonconforming and yes beautiful - We are Mana Wāhine. (Jade Whaanga). Please note: The subjects addressed in this research contain sensitive information. This research focuses on empowering and re-claiming the indigenous feminine voice, because of this Wāhine will be capitalised throughout and re-claiming is written with a hyphen to highlight the act and movement of reclaiming what has always belonged to indigenous women but has been suppressed by colonisation. I would like to acknowledge this writing is based on my own experience and development through the research. Others may have different views, feelings, opinions towards this research which I respect, however, at the time of this research this was my truth developed from the experiences and resources available to me.