Wayfinding to Choose Hope
Whatawhata
Wayfinding transposes the principles of celestial navigation and ocean voyaging by ancient and modern Pasifika voyagers into a framework that can be used in a modern context.
Wayfinding to Choose Hope was developed by Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna’i under the guidance of voyaging tohunga and leader of Te Toki, Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr. Designed specifically for changing environments the programme builds people’s ability to work to a vision and incorporate the skills of navigation.
Wayfinding helps young people understand themselves and those around them, it guides young people to create solutions so they can navigate to their Island of success. Participants go on a journey that looks at how things can go wrong in life, who is on their waka, explores their fears and helps them name their deep desires. It is a gentle process that empowers them to come up with real-life solutions that are within their reach.
Through the programme, they develop empathy for others and demonstrate more kindness to each other. They also become more comfortable in talking about tough times and how they are feeling. The intended outcome is to decrease suicides in Māori and Pacific communities through participating in an empowering process, utilising a system developed from Pacific knowledge.
*This Iwi Initiative is proudly supported by Te Au (& Te Rau Ora) with the Māori Suicide Prevention Community Fund 2020-2021.
Organisation: Te Toki Voyaging Trust Website: https://www.flyinggeesepro.nz/
Rutu Aperira
Rutu’s dreams and aspirations come from lived experience following the tragic suicide of her 18year old brother, and she determined to do something to honour his memory and help raise awareness about suicide causations and risks.
August 3, 2022
