Relocating traditional infrastructure
Māori impacted by the recent Cyclone Gabrielle are facing difficult decisions over relocating community structures and marae. Although some funding is available, insurance is a luxury few can afford, and moving urupa (burial grounds) is a rare and challenging operation.
Globally, Indigenous Peoples are having to decide on urgent issues stemming from climate change without the capacity to exhibit our much proclaimed resilience. Too often, our endurance is elevated as proof of our ability to handle anything thrown at us. Yet communities are having to make decisions now on where they can envision a future. And in most regions, relocation means settling on other peoples territory. Indigenous diplomacy will be much tested...