At the time of writing, this blog has reached 3,076,123. I write with mixed emotions today.
On one hand, a virtual landscape (this daily blog) has achieved the 3,000,000+ summit in Hollywood, the entertainment capitol of the world. This is something, no other Kiwi of Indigenous Peoples descent (like Avatar‘s story depicts with its creative scripting) has achieved. It perhaps shows that there is interest in such a blog. On the other hand, I observe Indigenous Peoples land rights, water ways rights, mineral rights on landscapes being sold (sometimes legitimately in a fair business like manner and sometimes overtime–in varying shifts of ownership titles changing hands – avoiding just agreements between people) like in the award winning book, . In severe cases of greed, we witness land or water territories (or earth’s resources) confiscation. Sometimes women have been the key actors in the process of confiscation. It needs a word today, because justice centered in adequate human rights governance is being eroded.
Patricia posits that the concept of Heritage, Arts & Culture is a nation’s land. Culture stems from it in dialogue back to a nation’s people. Art then is created from this dialogue. Hollywood’s biggest selling box office film in history depicted Patricia’s truths as a writer.
For example, Patricia writes novels like James Cameron‘s Avatar – but of real people… her own and their concerns with land struggles and equality of justice in laws appearing to be fair and the rather pretentious cue process some people take great pains to weave with a minefield of words and structure to slow down progress of justice being restored. She posited, that Indigenous People should remain on the land, because this ensures that people blinded by a buck as individuals appearing to look good in a moment, do not sell off the heartland of one’s culture – that being the land and its resources – without careful consideration. Patricia may never have had equal access to filmmaking technology and film budgets like James Cameron has across his career, yet Patricia is no Avatar in an Indigenous person’s body. She is the real deal Indigenous Peoples writer, telling similar stories like James Cameron is, using Indigenous Peoples themed story lines to raise awareness of earth preservation and Indigenous Peoples culture, directly linked to Earth preservation. Her words ring like a herald from Hollywood today on this blog. Together, we all share this milestone with her as a Maori-Kiwi storyteller who is worthy of being respected deeply.
I also think of Tonga, a South Pacific principality of beautiful Island dwelling people who are led by a Monarchy – like the UK are. Their culture has survived many storms. It cannot be scuttled and it is our role to strengthen Tonga, Tonga’s people, their spirit’s and their place in the world with humility, justice and most of all considerate friendship towards Polynesian Indigenous Peoples of the South Pacific.
Here’s a St.amp of a lady who knew a thing on two in her day (like Patricia Grace). Her name was Saloti Tupou III. She was 6’3″ tall. She was an outstanding poet, a much loved global figure and a darling of other leaders in the world. My family resided for a time with her people in the Principality of Tonga, a nation whose largeness of spirit – when humble is strong and belies it’s geographical terrain. Saloti’s father’s name was George. She was only 18 when she ascended to the throne and she was a strong friend of Queen Elizabeth II.
Her legacy is a reminder that perhaps we don’t value teenagers voices enough and we need to listen more to what some teens have to say. Both Saloti and Elizabeth did the same thing during some trying years they were called upon as young people and destined to bring stability to the world throughout the years. Patricia Grace and Tonga’s people – are US too, on this blog. The concerns of their people are Indigenous Peoples concerns, always. Their spirit is what we honor and promote in Hollywood today – as balance to the silly games men can sometimes get caught up in and play.
May our presence in the world honor Indigenous People as gifts to humanity with unique worldviews – in both virtual and tangible ways demonstrating respect and equality. Today, I share a moment, from a nation who first gave women equality in the legal system by giving women the right to vote. As a result Aotearoa New Zealand led the world in true democracy that is grounded in good kaupapa and tikanga (principles). Indigenous women therefore in Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific, will always be voices to take heed to and listen to. This is their gift to preserve the world and her people. Few people have a worldview of the depth this people group have to offer being in relationship with inextricable links to landscape, people and place – like such examples of people offered on this blog today as a benefit of the world’s well being and best interests beyond just making bank. Peace!
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood, California USA. 4.1.11~
