The indigenous bond between Māori and Native Americans

“We’re proud and we’re here today because of the resilience our ancestors instilled in us.”

For three years HAKA Māori Cultural Experience has been travelling to Florida to exchange indigenous culture and knowledge with the Seminole tribe. 

For Native American Month 2023 the Māori group returned to the US where they shared their culture and traditions including kapa haka, traditional instruments, carving, haka, and tā moko. 

The group got to witness the traditional Seminole practice of alligator wrestling. This is a skill that was developed during the Seminole wars with the United States in the 1800s when the tribe was forced into the alligators environment and they had to capture them to survive. 

The two indigenous people have developed an intimate bond through their shared commitment to preserving and celebrating their culture to ensure its strong for future generations.

This is part of our reo Māori series, Ohinga, created by Mahi Tahi Agency with funding from Te Mangai Paho. Stay tuned for a new episode every week.

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