PODCAST · society
Wai? Indigenous Words and Ideas
by Arcia Tecun
Hosted by Arcia Tecun, an urban and mobile Wīnak (Mayan) with roots in Iximulew (Guatemala), an upbringing in Soonkahni (Salt Lake Valley, Utah), and in relation with Tonga, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Te Moana Nui a Kiwa (The Great Pacific Ocean). Wai? [pronounced why] (W.A.I.: Words and Ideas) is a podcast based on various issues, topics, and perspectives including critical analysis, reflection, dialogue, and commentary on society, politics, education, history, culture, Indigeneity, and more. The purpose of this project is to share words and ideas that are locally meaningful, globally relevant, and critically conscious.
Episodes
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Ep. 61: Spatial and Community Planning with Joaquín Lopez-Huertas
Am'aj Q'in, Dr. Joaquín Lopez-Huertas joins this episode to discuss Indigenous planning. He is a K’iche’ scholar from Xelajuj No’j, Iximulew who begins by sharing some of his background in architecture and urban planning. Lopez-Huertas adds insights on identity and global Indigeneity as it…
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Ep.60: MMIR Utah with Tammy Dee Platero
Tammy Dee Platero joins this episode to share her background in computer science and her current work as the executive director of MMIR Utah (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Utah, non-profit organisation). Platero introduces some of her tech interest, explains terms, shares stories...
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Ep. 59: Indigenous Time and Space Part 2 – Neo/Niu/Knew Tā-Vā
This episode engages with both the thought and practice of interconnectivity and collective consciousness in Indigenous theory. Niu/Knew/Neo Tā-Vā is framed as a talanoa/tzijonïk/storying conversation between Tāvāism, critical and global Indigenous theory. Mayan philosophy of time space is...
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Ep. 58: Indigenous Time and Space Part 1 – A Review of the Tā-Vā Theory
This episode dives into some of the background and context that influenced 20th century transformational thinking in critical Oceanic thought. Palofesa I. Futa Helu’s intellectual background is explored including realism and panta rhei. The role of critical education, classics, questions of...
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Ep. 57: Indigenous Archives with Floridalma Boj Lopez
Dr. Boj Lopez is a Maya-K’iche’ Assistant Professor of Chicanx and Central American Studies at UCLA. We discuss her academic journey and early interests in the project of ethnic studies, as well as in building Maya community spaces in diaspora. Boj Lopez works in the growing field of Critical...
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Ep. 56: Talking Kava with 'Ulise Funaki
Dr. ‘Ulise Funaki (Kakai Tonga, Kanaka Maoli) is featured in this episode and shares a breadth of insights having recently completed a doctorate in anthropology at the University of Hawai‘i and as an instructor at Brigham Young University – Hawai‘i. Topics covered in this episode include:...
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Ep. 55: Reflections on Culture and Place with Isiah and Samoana
Isiah Cambridge (Ute/Núuch and Diné/Navajo) and Samoana Matagi (Tagata Sāmoa and Papalagi) join this episode to discuss culture, language, and relationships to place. We reflect on work we have done at the Nature Center at Pia Okwai where Isiah has taught Diné Bizaad (Navajo language) classes and...
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Ep. 54: Thoughts on Religion and Indigeneity
This episode begins by attempting to tackle some bigger questions about religion, belief, and spirituality. I share some different approaches to analysing religion using thinkers like Talal Asad and Émile Durkheim, in order to explore concepts like ‘religion’ itself and the ‘sacred’ and…
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Ep. 53: Saints and Sinners with Moana 'Ulu'ave-Hafoka
This episode features poet, author, and intellectual Moana ‘Ulu‘ave-Hafoka. The catalyst for this discussion was a recently released YouTube video by former Mormon author and YouTuber Alyssa Grenfell, titled Tonga is 60% Mormon??????, which has currently been viewed more than 200k times since…
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Ep. 52: Madau-Moana Relational Ethics with Kehau Fagatele-Folau
Dr. Kehaulani Fagatele-Folau joins this episode to introduce her doctoral research. We begin with Indigenous concepts and methods she used from the Madau-Moana to make sense of some of the colonial contexts Indigenous women of Oceania traverse in the academy. Some themes we discuss include...
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Ep.51: Undercurrents with 'Inoke Hafoka
This episode introduces an idea Dr. Hafoka and I have been working through and developing, inspired by and extending out of the undercommons. We reflect on intellectuals that remain connected to home communities or who emerge organically from communities. We also consider the re-framing of study…
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Ep.50: Post-Apocalyptic Indigeneities
This episode begins with a reflection on this podcast project reaching its 50th episode. I share some additional background and future plans, including some of the symbolism behind the WAI logo. This episode introduces some ideas from the article, Indigeneity as a Post-Apocalyptic Genealogical...
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Ep.49: Coloniality and the Matrix Trilogy
This episode seeks to share an understanding of coloniality as a global system by engaging with the Matrix film series franchise, focusing on the initial trilogy. The Matrix trilogy is applied as a metaphor to build critical consciousness of coloniality, settler-colonialism, and Indigeneity…
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Ep.48: Warning - These Ideas Will Eat Your Pets!
This episode focuses on ideas about critical thinking in systems of power. Topics include critical pedagogy, critical consciousness, belief, agnotology (study of ignorance), and aesthetics as ethics. Concepts mentioned include the banality of evil and the illusory effect with pop culture…
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Ep. 47: Reflections from across Oceania and Indigenous Feminism with Lana Lopesi
Lana Lopesi is an Assistant Professor at the University of Oregon interested in Indigenous and Women of Colour Feminisms, Contemporary Art, and Global Indigeneities. We begin this episode by reflecting on both of our recent shifts in social and political context moving from Aotearoa-New Zealand…
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Ep. 46: Remembering Mate Ma‘a Tonga with Tēvita Ka‘ili and ‘Inoke Hafoka
Indigenous Tongan scholars Dr. Ka‘ili and Dr. Hafoka join this episode of remembering the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and the impact of Mate Ma‘a Tonga. We reflect on the background to doing research at that time and thinking about the geopolitics of sport alongside an exploration of Tongan...
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Ep. 45: Diversity and Institutions with Kehau Folau and Tino Diaz
Kehaulani Folau is a Madau-Moana (Oceanian) scholar and doctoral student of education, and Tino is a critical educator and activist. We discuss ‘diversity’ in the context of dominant schooling institutions, including its impact and limitations. Our talanoa/platica is inspired by recent legal acts...
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Ep. 44: Returning Home and Indigenous Art with Moana Palelei Iose
This episode features Moana Iose who is an artist and Indigenous art policy consultant, as well as the founder of Salt Lake City’s Pasifika First Fridays and the Lost Eden Gallery. We begin with a look back to our global crossing of paths and our shared connections at Auckland Uni. Moana was...
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Ep. 43: Critical Tongan Studies with Ata - Part 2
Building on an earlier episode about Critical Tongan Studies, Ata and I revisit this idea and discuss the various waves that make up a rich intellectual tradition based in the regions associated with Tonga. Acknowledging the social and national construction at a particular point in time we seek…
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Ep.42: Thinking about living in and relating better to this place
This episode begins with some reflections on my experience and relations to people of place and to being mindful of where one lives, especially if one’s immediate ancestral ties lie elsewhere. I think about responsibilities and possibilities of relating differently and better to where I currently...
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Ep. 41: Intro and Background to Tongan Coloniality with Ata
Ata and I have just published a paper on Tongan Coloniality which this episode provides a brief introduction to as well as a bit of background behind this research project. Prior to successfully publishing this paper we were getting blocked within academia when making attempts to discuss…
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Ep. 40: Family Culture Shock
This episode takes a sneak peak into one of our whānau hui (family meetings/gatherings) where we reflect on a recent move we have made. The tamariki (children) share some insights and observations of living in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and now in Soonkahni (Salt Lake), including nationalism in...
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Ep. 39: Fahu (A Chiefly Relative) with Dorothy Savieti
This episode features post graduate student Dorothy Savieti who has been interested in and researching fahu (chiefly sister, aunt, relative, etc.) within Tongan culture and society. She shares an introduction to thinking about this significant identity and role within family clans that are…
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Ep. 38: Cos-Maya-Politan with Genner Llanes-Ortiz
Yucatec Maya Anthropologist Genner Llanes-Ortiz joins this episode from his current position as research chair of digital Indigeneities at the Bishop’s university in Canada. He shares some of his background in anthropology, Indigenous rights, and linguistics throughout the world. We discuss Dr....
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Ep. 37: Hohoko ‘a e To‘utangata (Intergenerational Consciousness) with David Taufui Mikato Fa‘avae
David Fa‘avae joins this episode bringing with him his experience as a Tongan/Sāmoan with ties to Niue, and as a founder of the early Tongan scholars network, a Senior Research Fellow at Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland), and Senior Lecturer at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato (University of...
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Ep. 36: Reading, Thinking, and Writing about Race with Lana and Ani
Returning guests: Philosopher, writer, and PhD student Anisha Sankar and soon to be Assistant Professor of Pacific Island Studies at the University of Oregon and author of Bloody Woman Lana Lopesi. Contents: This episode gives some background to the anthology project Towards a Grammar of Race in...
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Ep. 35: Marks of Identity with Jacob Fitisemanu and ’Inoke Hafoka
This episode features educator and city councilperson Jacob Fitisemanu along with community leader and educator 'Inoke Hafoka. They discuss some of the background to a recent community tatau/tātatau event that took place in Utah. We learn some of the background to the history of Ocean peoples in...
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Ep. 34: Balance and Protocol with Richard White
Grant training specialist for ANA (Administration for Native Americans) and Diné (Navajo) educator Rich White joins this episode to share some stories and wisdom on a variety of topics including facing challenges in education, seeking balance in life, and relational knowledge in protocol. We...
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Ep 33: Kava Tonga Part 2
This episode starts by contextualizing current issues and how kava is connected to them. I also confront some of the various impacts of commodification and commercialization within a larger context of ecological and economic crisis. Is kava threatened of being gentrified? Do you know where your...
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Ep 32: Kava Tonga Part 1 - Stories, Meanings, and Current Issues
This episode builds on the previous discussion with Dr. Aporosa and explores some of the Tongan kava stories compiled in the book Tongan Tales and Myths (Gifford, 1924). Tongan intellectual 'Inoke Hu'akau's position is that kava stories are part of a cosmological identity based in stories of...
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Ep. 31: PasifiQueereDisabled Perspectives with Luka Leleiga Bunnin
Luka is Samoan, Han Chinese, and Ashkenazi Jewish, autistic, dyspraxic, and fa‘atama. They join this episode to share some of their research that critically looks at climate action and justice. While Luka is inspired by the pressing necessity of Pacific climate justice, and supports the declared...
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Ep. 30: River Roots, Public Service, and Dune with Teri and Shane Ta‘ala
This kōrero/talanoa with Teri (Ngāti Hineoneone) and Shane (Tagata Sāmoa) shares some of their stories about growing up on and near the Whanganui river, their experience working in public service, and some insights on the recent sci-fi film release of Dune. We unpack some words and concepts...
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Ep. 29: Early 20th Century Hawaiian Music and its Global Impact with Andrea Low
Prior to opening the main discussion the host contextualises the current delta variant lockdown that is resulting in an online semester delivery that Dr. Andrea Low is helping out with. There are a couple of examples given of early 20th century commercial representations of the Pacific and issues...
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Ep. 28: The Loki Series and Time with Ata
This episode reviews and reflects on recent pop culture alongside Ata Siulua. We discuss the Loki series and some possible ways to interpret concepts of time in the show. From the time variance authority as a metaphor of colonisation to nexus events that re-calibrate time, with a mix of insights,...
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Ep 27: Latin America and Oceania with 'Inoke Hafoka and Tino Diaz
Educators ‘Inoke Hafoka and Tino Diaz join this episode to think together about the regions of Latin America and Oceania, their ideas, peoples, and relations. We discuss ancient, colonial, religious, and contemporary entanglements, as well as solidarity, and connections, in order to explore how…
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Ep 26: Addictive Behaviours and Culture with Edmond Fehoko
Public health and Pacific studies scholar Edmond Fehoko joins this episode to discuss his research on problem gambling, addictive behaviours, and culture among Tongan men. He confronts sensitive topics head on such as gender issues, exploitation of cultural values, family impact, and religion. We...
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Ep 25: Songwoman Orator - Seini Taumoepeau
This episode introduces songwoman and orator Seini Taumoepeau who is also known by her Hip Hop alias SistaNative. She shares some of her background, history, and philosophy as an orator, songwoman, lyricist, poet, rapper, and journalist. Seini also shares some of her experience learning from and...
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Ep 24: Tātatau with Terje Koloamatangi
Tufunga Tātatau Terje Koloamatangi from Small Axe Studios is featured in this episode. He shares some of his journey and background with tātatau Tonga (customary Tongan tattoo), from receiving and learning from Su‘a Suluape Paulo II to practicing and developing the art further. Tātatau was banned...
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Ep 23: Wa, Me'a Kai, Food - Part 2
In part 2 I build on the question, where does our food come from? What can be recovered or re-made? I explore the transmission of knowledge through food production and preparation, as well as the function of vulnerability when eating. Examples from Mesoamerica, Abya Yala, Turtle Island and the...
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Ep 22: Wa, Me'a Kai, Food - Part 1
This episode is an introduction to thinking about the social, cultural, and political significance of food. Food justice, food sovereignty, food ways, food security/insecurity, health, and more are considered. I also reflect on staple foods and ritual foods further to explore the social and...
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Ep 21: Moana Cosmopolitan with Lana Lopesi
AUT doctoral candidate Lana Lopesi joins this episode, bringing a rich background in art, writing, and scholarship. We cover several topics and begin with the question; how do we hold on to the changes that once seemed impossible yet became ‘essential’ when global crises collided? We also discuss...
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Ep 20: Matariki with the Tamariki
My sons Ezra (11) and Taine (9) join me in this episode to discuss what they have learned about stars and seasons through cosmic connections. They are students at home, of life, and in the Kura Wānanga Te Puna Waiora at Sylvia Park School. They share experiences and lessons from Māori cosmology…
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Ep 19: Transforming Solidarity
This episode explores our current global moment including the Black Lives Matter movement, and the topic of solidarity, relationality, and transformation. How can messy solidarities recalibrate towards more meaningful relations? I reflect on how dilemmas of 'not being heard' can hinder the...
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Ep 18: Colonial Disparities and Neurodiversity with Sandra Yellowhorse
Diné scholar Sandra Yellowhorse joins this episode and we begin by discussing our experiences between the U.S. and Aotearoa/New Zealand. We consider how the Covid-19 pandemic reveals ongoing social and political issues, as well as how settler colonialism impacts and amplifies disparities on the...
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Ep 17: Good Living and Textiles with Diana Albarrán González
Diana Albarrán González joins this episode to discuss decolonial research, Indigeneity, and design. Diana has been living in Aotearoa doing research with textiles and weaving at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). We begin our discussion on the complex and complicated Indigenous…
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Ep 16: Researching Kava with Aporosa
In this episode 'Apo' Aporosa who is based at Te Huataki Waiora School of Health at the University of Waikato joins me to discuss kava research. After introducing kava (piper methysticum) and its spread, he explains how it is a cultural keystone species across Oceania. Yaqona (kava) is also tied…
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Ep 15: Time and Space with Tēvita Ka‘ili
In this episode, Tēvita Ka‘ili who is BYU-Hawai‘i’s Dean and Professor in the faculty of culture, language and performing arts; shares his knowledge and experience learning and constructing Indigenous theory. We discuss some of the history, background, critiques, and evolution of Tāvāism (Tongan...
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Ep 14: Socially Conscious and Physically Distant
This episode critically reflects on some of the social consequences of Sars-Cov-2/Covid 19 spreading across the globe. Drawing from Indigenous commentators, personal experiences, and observations what are the implications of the concept of 'social distancing'? Can we be 'socially...
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Ep 13: American Sāmoa with Alema Leota
The attorney Alema Leota joins me in this episode to discuss current issues in American Sāmoa. We begin with him giving an introduction to the background of the territory and then discuss the perpetuation of culture, fishing rights, land and ocean space in some of his work. We then discuss a...
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Ep 12: Imagining Elsewhere with Anisha Sankar
Anisha Sankar joins this episode and shares how naming and identifying power and oppression within systems of colonial capitalism are often dismissed through gaslighting. We discuss how courage and creativity can challenge power through the deviant act of imagining elsewhere. Ani also shares...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosted by Arcia Tecun, an urban and mobile Wīnak (Mayan) with roots in Iximulew (Guatemala), an upbringing in Soonkahni (Salt Lake Valley, Utah), and in relation with Tonga, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Te Moana Nui a Kiwa (The Great Pacific Ocean). Wai? [pronounced why] (W.A.I.: Words and Ideas) is a podcast based on various issues, topics, and perspectives including critical analysis, reflection, dialogue, and commentary on society, politics, education, history, culture, Indigeneity, and more. The purpose of this project is to share words and ideas that are locally meaningful, globally relevant, and critically conscious.
HOSTED BY
Arcia Tecun
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Wai? Indigenous Words and Ideas have?
Wai? Indigenous Words and Ideas currently has 61 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Wai? Indigenous Words and Ideas about?
Hosted by Arcia Tecun, an urban and mobile Wīnak (Mayan) with roots in Iximulew (Guatemala), an upbringing in Soonkahni (Salt Lake Valley, Utah), and in relation with Tonga, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Te Moana Nui a Kiwa (The Great Pacific Ocean). Wai? [pronounced why] (W.A.I.: Words and Ideas) is...
How often does Wai? Indigenous Words and Ideas release new episodes?
Wai? Indigenous Words and Ideas has 61 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Wai? Indigenous Words and Ideas?
You can listen to Wai? Indigenous Words and Ideas on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Wai? Indigenous Words and Ideas?
Wai? Indigenous Words and Ideas is created and hosted by Arcia Tecun.
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