#8: Jen Margaret - Honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi, changing systems and working as allies

In this insightful episode, Melanie Nelson sits down with Jen Margaret, a dedicated advocate and educator for te Tiriti o Waitangi. Jen has spent over 30 years championing the importance of te Tiriti and the responsibilities it entails for Pākehā and Tauiwi in Aotearoa. Jen shares her personal journey into this work, starting with her first encounter with te Tiriti at university and the subsequent realisation of how little she had been taught about Aotearoa’s founding document. She delves into the critical role Pākehā play in honouring te Tiriti, its importance to non-Māori, the significance of understanding our shared history, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation on Māori. Through a blend of personal reflections and professional insights, Jen highlights the importance of collective action, the need for Pākehā to educate their own communities, and the essential work being done to build stronger, more respectful relationships in Aotearoa. Whether you're familiar with te Tiriti o Waitangi or just beginning to explore its significance, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the path to a more just and unified Aotearoa.Tune in to hear Jen's powerful message on the responsibility we all share in honouring te Tiriti and fostering a society where everyone can thrive.You can buy me a coffee to support my work!You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated. Resources: https://groundwork.org.nz/resources/