What Happens When Indigenous Women Scholars Become Activists: Possibilities and Perils

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

Pihama et al. (2019) state that they have received many requests for references to writings on Mana Wahine stances as a basis for thinking about issues that impact Indigenous women. With this in mind, Smith (2019) stresses the importance of Indigenous women assuming control over the interpretation of our struggles and the theorizing of our experiences in ways that make sense for us. In helping to understand and advance our interpretations, Smith notes that it is “worthwhile analysing the kinds of struggles in which Indigenous women have been engaged and to set them more explicitly within an Indigenous orientation to the world.” (p. 41) This session will broaden the conversation to include women scholars from several Indigenous groups who will engage in a conversation that will consist of “multiple intersecting beliefs, ideologies and practices that both inform, and impact upon, their lives.” (Pihama et al., p. v) Specifically, the conversation will examine the participants’ understandings of the complex nature of mana wahine, the challenges they have faced in their lives as indigenous women (particularly as members of their institutions), the armor they have girded on to right historical and current wrongs, and their plans for future possibilities to uplift themselves and their peoples.

Sub Unit

• Public Good: Power and Possibilities

Chair

• Huia Tomlins Jahnke, Massey University

Participants

• Megan Bang, Spencer Foundation and Northwestern University

• Cheryl Crazy Bull, American Indian College Fund

• Kahele Dukelow, University of Hawai‘i Maui College

• Margaret J. Maaka, University of Hawaii - Manoa

• Sharon Nelson-Barber, WestEd

• Linda T. Smith, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi

Discussant

• Patricia Maringi Gina Johnston, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi