Indigenous Cultures Institute Welcomes New Zealand’s Õkāreka Dance Company

On October 26, TITAS partnered with the Indigenous Cultures Institute to conduct a Land Welcome and Cultural Exchange with New Zealand’s Õkāreka Dance Company. The tikanga (protocols) of the Māori people call for them to be invited onto the land of the host people when stepping onto foreign soils for the first time.

Representing the Indigenous Cultures Institute, LaRay Guerrero and his family presented the visitors from Õkāreka with traditional gifts and a hoop dance performed by his daughter. Led by Māori Elder, Tūī Matira Ranapiri Ransfield and Artistic Director Taiaroa Royal, the members of Õkāreka accepted the invitation onto the host land with their traditional song/waiata and hongi (Māori greeting – pressing of noses to share breath).

The Indigenous Cultures Institute was founded in 2006 by members of the Miakan/Garza Band, a Texas Indian tribe that still practices their traditional ceremonies and maintains long-held family ties.

“In such gatherings the space between us is about ritual safeness and allowing cultural exchanges to prevail –  a sign of respect, exchange, patience, embracing rich ancestral processes, thus ensuring that both parties come together for the benefit of two peoples.” (Tūī Matira Ranapiri Ransfield)

Other guests:
Council Member Paul Ridley
Martine Elyse Phillipe, Office of Arts and Culture
Warren Tranquada
Mary Ann Borden-Neary, TITAS Board
Charles Santos
John Frazier

Learn More about Õkāreka’s performance in the Moody Performance Hall here!