As global momentum grows to properly value Indigenous ways of knowing alongside Western scientific research practice, a Māori community in Aoteroa (New Zealand) illuminates a powerful strategy for change. In addressing both historical collections of plant specimens and present day gene research in local green-lipped mussel populations, Whakatōhea have implemented Local Contexts’ Biocultural Labels and Notices to address histories of colonial extraction as well as the challenges presented by open access datasets. In both scenarios, Whakatōhea set a powerful example of how to ensure that the chain of provenance to peoples and lands is robust and persistent across global digital ecosystems.

Film by Andreas Burgess, Jane Anderson & Māui Hudson in collaboration with Danny Paruru, Robert Edwards, Holden Hohaia, Aaron Wilton, Kimberly Maxwell & Jonathan Gardner. 2023. 24min.