17. Education & Decolonisation

In today's episode, we are talking about education and decolonisation. Two massive topics. Let's dive in. We talk about creating a pepeha as a pakeha person in Aotearoa and the unique experience of being pakeha that attended a full immersion Māori school. On the podcast, today is Kiridwen (Kiri) Olds. She passionate about education, social justice and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Kiri graduated from Victoria University in 2015 with a BA in Environmental Studies, Te Reo Māori and Māori Studies, and received her Masters of Teaching and Learning with Distinction from AUT in 2021. Her passion for education stems from a belief that our tamariki are powerful motivators for change, individually, within whānau, and across communities. She believes that it is important, now more than ever, for our tamariki to grow up with a strong connection, understanding and respect for Papatūānuku and a belief that what they do makes a difference. She has been involved in many community organisations including as co-director of The Brothers & Sisters Collective (a creative collective that works across community, arts, and education). We discuss a fascinating philosophy called 'The Pikler Theory' that surrounds infants and children, and the need for change in our educational system. Kiri co-facilitates courses about the Te Tiriti of Waitangi and discusses her position as a tangata o te Tiriti and how that plays into her obligation to educate on Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Kiri is one of my closest friends, I am honoured to bring this conversation to you. What we cover: Creating a pepeha as a Pakeha person in Aotearoa Children's rights The education system in Aotearoa The Pikler Theory and how it can support infants and toddlers Language with our kids Consent with children Culture needs to match biology Emotional Literacy in schools The Treaty of Waitangi - Kiri's unique position of being a Tangata o Te Tiriti & educating on the nuances of this agreement -Tangata o Te Tiriti (people of the Treaty), where do you belong?  Socials: KIRI instagram |  @kiridwen email |  [email protected] website | brothersandsisterscollective.com linkedin | Kiridwen Olds AIO instagram | @aio.thepodcast tik tok |  @aio.thepodcast TARIKURA instagram | @tarikura_ DONATE: My loves, help keep this podcast alive by donating! A few dollars can go a long way. Your donation will directly go to studio hire, software, equipment and direct operational costs, helping me bring on high calibre guest and continueing to provide you with this free resource.  Your hard earned cash is greatly valued - thank you xx https://buy.stripe.com/7sI3fr09E3Xocyk7ss