Te Reo ~ New Zealand's Native Language

Māori Language week is so important to Aotearoa, New Zealand. It is a reminder of a language that could have easily been lost completely. Many Māori children were punished for speaking Māori in school. Many of us are still trying to piece together our history & claim back our rightful knowledge of our Ataahua (beautiful) culture.
I wanted to celebrate & share with you some Māori traditions, and in turn, I would like to know more about your culture.

First I will greet you with a pepeha - A pepeha is a form of introduction that establishes identity and heritage This is a greeting in Māori that tells others where they are from, It opens up conversations & unites relatives. I was 27 the day I learned who my ancestors were, the next day I relayed my pepeha to a friend, and found out that we shared some ancestry. That was a beautiful moment.

So first we would say ...

Kia Ora

(Hello)

And then..

This tells people what area of New Zealand my Iwi (or tribe) originate from. Pepeha's can be far more complex which is then called a Whakapapa

I have found one other Māori on Steemit so far :)

Culture is important to me because..

A rich sense of belonging is one of the greatest feelings. To know where you've come from & what makes up your DNA. Culture can also mean the customs & traditions we have created within our own lives & families.

Why is culture important to you?

Can you greet me in your native language? What are some of your traditions? history? Food?Something you love about it?

I leave you with a Māori Waiata (song)

Ka kite ano (See you later)

And thanks for letting me share Māori Language week with you..