Why do certain cultural backgrounds have disproportionate representation in some of the worst statistics of our society? A greater incidence of incarceration, of drug use, of violence or of poverty?

This was a question Dr Rawiri Waretini Karena posed to himself after undergoing his own epic transformation. His own journey from state care, to prison, to education and academic achievements was easy for him to understand, as he had lived it.

But why were others having similar experiences?

In this talk, Rawiri explains his work on Intergenerational Trauma, it’s impact and what can be done to help mitigate those effects, with his work on the program “He Kakano Ahau”, which looks at the impact of the doctrine of discovery and the papal bull decrees, and colonisation. This program works with those in prison to educate and work towards their own redemption.

TEDxRuakura is held in Hamilton, New Zealand. 2018 is our fourth year. Please check out the other talks from TEDxRuakura. Visit http://TEDxRuakura.com to find out about upcoming events.
Rawiri began his life with no knowledge of his cultural identity, with no sense of self, enduring a childhood no child should have to go through. A series of events and actions caused ripples throughout his community. He now uses education as a vehicle, not to justify his past actions, but to understand the historical impact on people’s current situations and environment.

Dr Rawiri WaretiniKarena is a Post Doc Research Fellowship recipient from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Indigenous University in Whakatane 20172019.

He graduated in 2014 with a PhD Doctorate of Philosophy in Indigenous Studies and was the recipient of three prestigious doctoral scholarship awards for his research into transforming Māori experiences of historical intergenerational trauma.

https://tedxruakura.com/drrawiriwar... This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx