Amelia Butler, founder of Learn Māori Abroad, discusses her experience growing her business and shares ways for people to engage ethically and meaningfully with the Māori culture. Born and raised in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and now living in Los Angeles, Amelia offers language lessons via video chat, haka & poi workshops and traditional Māori performances. She teaches enriching classes that connect kiwis living abroad with their cultural heritage — as well as community members interested in exploring the culture. 

What urged you to start workshops focused on Māori culture?

I started these workshops in response to increasing interest in the Māori culture.  After living in the U.S. for several years, I recognized that people are drawn to the Māori culture and many want to learn more about the culture, people and language, - especially the haka.  Having grown up in the culture I knew I could offer something to people in America who had not been exposed to an indigenous culture like I had.  

How did this idea turn into an actual business?

A UK-based friend of mine, Karl Burrows, who works around the world sharing haka with corporate clients, asked me if I would be interested in co-leading a public haka workshop in LA with him.  I have been teaching dance for close to 20 years and had taught haka to kids before but had never taught it to adults. That workshop turned out to be a success, and from then on, I thought that I could make this into a full time career. It has truly been an incredible journey ever since.

How can people engage in a respectful and meaningful way with the Māori language and culture?

If possible, it is important to learn from someone who grew up in the culture and is Māori. The idea behind that is that we, Māori, carry our ancestors with us and can share a true holistic view of the culture with you. However, I understand that in the U.S. for example, there may be issues of accessibility, but wherever possible, learn from some who is Māori.

How do you encourage Māori who may not have grown up in Aotearoa and who are part of the diaspora to (re-)engage with the culture?

If you are Māori but didn’t grow up in New Zealand, there are many ways to engage with the culture. I teach te reo Māori (language) by video chat, so no matter where you are in the world, you can learn the language.  Find and connect with other Māori people in your town. Enroll in a Māori tertiary institution (Whare Wānanga) that offers online courses about different elements of Māori culture, like traditional dances, carvings, weavings, and ta moko.  Join a Māori facebook group. Look for a Māori workshop or traditional Māori performance group (kapahaka group) in your area. Watch Māori videos on Youtube. There are many ways you can connect with the Māori culture while living outside of Aotearoa.  Feel free to contact me if you would like me to come and teach a workshop in your area!

Whether you’re Māori or not, the work that I’m doing gives you the ability to connect with your identity, who you are and where you come from. Knowing these things empowers you in the present and enables you to move boldly into the future.

“Knowing where you come from empowers you in the present and helps you move boldly into the future.”

Visit Learn Māori Abroad // Follow @maoriabroad and @Ameliahbutler

Email learnmaoriabroad@gmail.com