33 Reconciliation

Her Royal Science

In this episode, we speak with Dr Ocean Mercier, an Associate Professor at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington about the profound value of indigenising science, history, and language curricula as an act of reconciliation and decolonisation. We first speak about the inspiring physics teacher at Wellington Girls' College who encouraged her scientific pursuits. We then discuss her passion for highlighting and incorporating Mātauranga Māori—interdisciplinary knowledge from the Māori people—into various curricula. Dr Mercier also elucidates a Māori term, aronga takirua, which describes the cultural double-labour exacted upon Indigenous students as governments attempt to decolonise national curricula. Finally, we discuss the pros and cons of pursuing an academic career in New Zealand. Episode transcript available here: https://www.herroyalscience.com/post/33-reconciliation