Cultural Capability Coach – I help culturally aware people, confidently move from competence to capability.
How we can be both bicultural and multicultural at the same time? Biculturalism and multiculturalism both play a central role in shaping our society. I have experienced many people who don’t understand how we can be both. I explain it to them using my nest analogy. The foundational relationship in our society is one of biculturalism – the nest. As we all migrated here at some time, we are the people living in the bicultural nest. The nest is both nourshing but also gets some shit. The Nest: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, signed in 1840, recognizes the relationship between Māori and the Crown, acknowledging the unique cultural identity and rights of the Māori. Biculturalism in New Zealand emphasizes the coexistence of two primary cultures — Māori and Pākehā (European) — with a commitment to mutual respect and collaboration. Inside the Nest: As waves of migration reached New Zealand shores, we embraced a multicultural ethos. Today, Aotearoa is home to many cultures. Multiculturalism celebrates diversity, promoting an inclusive society that values and respects the customs, traditions, and languages of its multicultural population. Biculturalism emerged from a historical agreement between the Māori and the British Crown, shaping the nation's identity. Multiculturalism, on the other hand, stems from the evolving demographic landscape driven by immigration. Biculturalism concentrates on the Māori and Pākehā partnership, emphasizing the foundational cultures. Multiculturalism, embraces a broader spectrum, recognizing and appreciating the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all communities. Biculturalism addresses historical power imbalances and seeks equity between Māori and Pākehā. Multiculturalism, while promoting inclusivity, may require ongoing efforts to ensure that power dynamics do not perpetuate inequality among diverse communities. In your life and work you will have experienced both biculturalism and multiculturalism. We are a truly unique country and that is certainly something to celebrate.
This is interesting. I’m wondering if this model privileges pākehā more than necessary though. The late Bevan Tipene-Matua encouraged his MAOR students at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha to see the treaty relationship as being between tāngata whenua and the crown, with all non-Māori cultures on the ‘crown’ side of the equation.
With immigration rates on the rise, this is such an important conversation. In my efforts to explore this complex relationship (and responsibility) of valuing both these concepts, I've noticed that 'monoculturalism' often dictates this debate and harms both biculturalism and multiculturalism in Aotearoa. It seems to me that they have more in common than we realise 💛
May I please share this?
Nice visual to help explain this
A great read! Recognising the contextual difference between biculturism and multiculturalism is the key.
Love this analogy!
Thanks lisa heald! Love your easy to understand explanation of complex ideas and concepts. 😍
Great breakdown and I LOVE the graphic!
'Companioning' those in leadership. Listening and really hearing. Haere ana i te ara i te tara o. Walking the path, alongside.
3moThis is us! An important kōrero! Thank you for your words and visual!