Three Toi Māori representatives join Grand Ronde paddle
Toi Māori Aotearoa Media Release Monday 11 July 2016 For immediate use
Three Toi Māori representatives to join with hosts of The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde in the Annual Tribal Canoe Journeys paddle to Nisqually 2016 (est1990)
Ihaia Puketapu and his wife Marissa
Puketapu, along with Waikarere Gregory have been selected to
represent Toi Maori at the Tribal Canoe Journeys Paddle to
Nisqually, Seattle USA with the Confederated Tribes of the
Grand Ronde of Portland, Oregon. All three are accomplished
Māori artists and are also dedicated to kaupapa waka
activities within their own communities.
Besides paddling to each destination and being welcomed by hosting nations along the seafaring route, their skills and talent will be shared with the Grand Ronde and other tribal nations while on the canoe journey.
The Canoe journey exchange with the Grand Ronde has been on-going since 2008 with their members also participating in the Waitangi Waka Pageants on the 6th February since 2010.
Both cultures share in the life skills and art form of pulling a canoe together, experiencing all the ups and downs of a journey. This journey is a course for success for all those involved and produces leaders for the future. Rituals are exchanged at each Reservation the Canoe Families stop off at. Food is shared in their communal Long Houses. Rituals begin immediately after with the furthest tribes beginning their ceremonies and continue late in to the night. Ihaia, Marissa and Waikarere’s journey to Nisqually, Seattle USA begins on the 19th July 2016.
ENDS
About Toi Māori Aotearoa:
Toi Māori Aotearoa | Maori Arts New Zealand Charitable Trust is the national organisation for Māori art and artists. It receives major funding from the Arts Council of Creative New Zealand | Toi Aotearoa.
About the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde:
Toi Maori has a strong relationship with the Grand Ronde from Portland, Oregon USA and has been in partnership with them creating cultural exchanges since 2008.