Places
Three Ways to Make in Impact in One Small Corner of Nepal
Maori Students Show Support of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
Maori Media Instructor Reflects on Maori’s Journey from Near Extinction
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Locals Continue Ancient Tradition at Domnoen Saduak Floating Market
RAJBURI, THAILAND: It’s 9:00 am on Sunday, Feb. 1, and the Domnoen Saduak canal is bustling with activity. Dozens of women paddle wooden long tail boats, heavy with colorful local fruits through the murky water, carefully weaving between oncoming motorboats filled with tourists. Additional boats serve as floating kitchens, a one-man show of paddling, slicing, chopping, and frying. The air is thick with the smell of grilled meat, pad thai,…