LBC: Wiki Ihimaera: Writing for the Tribe

Lecture Summary:
On Wednesday night (April 29, 2009), I attended the lecture by renowned Maori writer Wiki Ihimaera who is currently this semester's Citizen Chair. Most of you may know Wiki for his story of the Whale Rider. The film features a girl named Paikea and her journey to prove to her grandfather that she can carry on the family destiny of the whale rider. However, Wiki Ihimaera has wrote several short stories and novels and holds the title of being the first Maroi to ever publish both a book of short stories and a novel. Wiki has also wrote for the Aotearoa opera and a ballet, The Wedding. However, what makes Wiki even more prominent as a writer is the fact that most of his stories are of the Paific or as he calls it, "Writing for the Tribe."

"Writing for the Tribe," was Wiki Ihimaera's main message of the lecture and to first explain his message he opened up with a Maori chant. He then went on to explain about his childhood in Aotearoa and how his dad influenced him to become a writer. At a young age, Wiki was always aware of his Maori heritage. His dad made sure that Wiki knew where he came from and the stories or history of his people. It is here that Wiki Ihimaera got his stories and influence as a writer. After being influenced by his dad and the history of his people, Wiki knew that if he were to become a writer that it was important to write stories of his people.

Another important factor that made Wiki want to write for his people is when he came up with this question, "How many Pacific hero's or heroines can you name?" The answer was slim to none. It is here that Wiki explained how important it is not just to write stories of the Pacific, but also for the children of the Pacific. Stories are often told from parents to their children, and if the audience could not name anybody, it is probably likely neither would the generation below them.

Wiki also mentioned the importance of diversification and being able to share your stories in more than one form. Although Wiki started off writing books, he is also working on writing for the opera as well as for film, hip hop, and ballet. The more forms your stories are able to take the more people are able to see and relate to your stories whether they are Pacific Islanders or not.

The last message that Wiki Ihimaera left with was the message of survival of the tribe and the planet. When you write about your people you are helping them to preserve their cultural and help to maintain their language. And also, you should write to for the survival of the planet. The planet takes take of it's people by providing us with land, water, and food, and therefore we should take care of the land as well.

Comments:
I think that the lecture was very interesting and very motivating. I thought about his question of how many Pacific hero's we can name and it made me realize how much of the Western society has taken over. Although the Western stories are great, we should also take a look at Pacific stories as well. I think that Wiki has a point of writing Pacific stories to make sure that it is maintained for the future, because we do not then the stories of the tribe will disappear.