Te Uma o Miria
Kawakawa: Northland
Te Uma o Miria is an initiative reconnecting rangatahi and their whānau back to their marae, hapū and iwi, to further enhance their sense of belonging, identity. and self-worth.
Based at Matawaia marae in the mid-north region, Te Uma o Miria is helping young women develop their sense of self and connection with their culture.
Learning life skills is a key component of wānanga, developing independent young women, confident in everyday activities. Ultimately strengthening resilience within, to work through any stresses they may face. An important aspect of the wānanga is to help young women overcome suicidal ideation and support whānau and communities to be able to deal with loss when there has been the suicide of a loved one.
Fortnightly wānanga are held for Kōhine who descend from Hineamaru. The young women are between 10-18 years old and come together to experience a mixture of life-skills, tikanga and kawa practices to strengthen and empower themselves.
As a part of some wānanga, the kōhine participate in activities that support, care for and uplift their local whānau and community.
*This whānau initiative is proudly supported by Te Au (and Te Rau Ora) through the Māori Suicide Prevention Fund (2020-2021).
