Pepe meamea in the spirit of the collective – embedding Samoan indigenous philosophy in ECE for Samoan children under two

Abstract

This panel discussion is based upon a two-year TLRI (Teaching and Learning Research Initiative) study that aims to develop New Zealand’s first Samoan Indigenous framework for Samoan infant and toddler pedagogy in early childhood education. In this session, Dr Jacoba Matapo from The University of Auckland, Dr Salā Faasaulala Tagoilelagi-Leota, Principal Analyst (Researcher) in the Ministry of Pacific People and former Chair and Director of SAASIA (Samoan ECE Association in NZ) for 12 years, and Dr Tafili Utumapu-McBride from AUT discuss Samoan conceptualisations of Pepe Meamea (infants and toddlers) as part of the research findings. Through deeply rooted Samoan collective ontologies, this research mobilises Samoan Indigenous knowledge systems to engage all teachers of Samoan Pepe Meamea in transforming practice, generating and contributing to ECE communities in the context of infant and toddler pedagogy.