Three Ways to Make in Impact in One Small Corner of Nepal

A woman in Okharpauwa points to the rubble where a woman and two children were buried in debris. (Photo:  Bhupi Ghimire/Volunteers Initiative Nepal) Nepal Earthquake Quick Facts• Over 8,000 deaths • Total death toll predicted to exceed 15,000 • Over 600,000 homes destroyed • 1.7 million children directly affected • Over 125,000 pregnant women affected • Reconstruction expenses predicted to exceed $5 billion “At that earthquake moment, I was thinking...
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Maori Students Show Support of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

Students from Tetahi Ke Tua pose for a picture with a banner during their weekly gathering at the AUT campus meetinghouse. This image, along with many similar images across the globe, is being uploaded to social media accounts to raise awareness and show support for Aboriginal communities in Australia. (Photo by Victoria Nechodomu/Nechodomu Media)   On April 1, students from Auckland University of Technology’s Maori student organization, Tetahi Ke Tua, chose...
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Maori Media Instructor Reflects on Maori’s Journey from Near Extinction

Robert Pouwhare was a part of many political movements for Maori language and culture revitalization and well-being in New Zealand from the 1970’s onward. These movements led to a Maori language education system, as well as a strong Maori media presence in radio, television, and film. (Photo by Victoria Nechodomu/Nechodomu Media) It is yet another Friday afternoon at Auckland University of Technology. Like last week, the computer lab is filled...
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Cultural Identity of Māori Youth is Fueled by Yesterdays History and Tomorrows Technology

It’s a beautiful, sunny Friday afternoon in Auckland, New Zealand. The Auckland University of Technology’s campus is slowing down as the weekend nears. Yet one classroom, a large computer lab, is buzzing with energy, enthusiasm, and creativity as a dozen young Māori students exchange ideas for short film productions. They are second year students in AUT’s Maori Media program, instructed by Dr. Ella Henry and Robert Pouwhare, and they are…

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New Zealand Organizations Make Efforts to Maintain Maori Culture

The presence of technology and media has opened many doors and endless possibilities for populations around the world. However, for many cultures, accessibility to media and technology has led to concerns over language loss and cultural identity. Many individuals, educational facilities, and media outlets in New Zealand are making an effort to ensure that the Maori language and culture remains strong in the face of globalization. Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village “Our…

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Yup’ik Alaska Natives Seek Cultural Preservation

Residents of Southwest Alaska are grieving the loss of Paul John, a community elder and cultural leader from Toksook Bay, Alaska. According to KTUU, John died in Anchorage as a result of heart problems on Friday, March 6, at the age of 85. John’s death has a deep and far-reaching impact on the state, as he was viewed as a cultural leader and advocate. He is remembered for teaching traditional ways…

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Young Buddhist Monks Pursue Happiness, Enlightenment, and Education

The Northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai is home to over 300 temples, scattered throughout the old city and surrounding forested hills. Among the more famous temples is Wat Chedi Luang, a 700-year-old temple whose age can be seen in its weathered, crumbled appearance. The temple is a busy location, attracting hundreds of daily worshipers and tourists. However, the temple also lies at the heart of the Mahamakut Buddhist University,…

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The Rose of the North hosts 39th Annual Flower Festival

Chiang Mai, the Northern Thailand town known as the, “Rose of the North,” hosted its 39th Annual Flower Festival this past weekend, Feb. 6-8. The weekend provided an around-the-clock feast for the senses for tens of thousands of local and international visitors. Weekend highlights included the opening ceremonies, the Miss Flower Blooming Beauty Contest, a parade, concerts, performances, demonstrations, floral exhibitions, garden displays, award ceremonies, and a walking street lined with local food…

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