Matauranga Taketake: Traditional Knowledge
The University of Auckland, New Zealand, 6 – 9 June 2010

Theme and its derivation:
‘Kei muri i te awe kapara he tangata ke’
- ‘Behind the tattooed face a stranger stands’
- ‘Seeking understandings beyond first impressions’
- ‘Recognising, engaging, understanding difference’

Abstract:
This conference will discuss strategies for generating social, educational, intellectual and economic opportunities by building relationships that engage, understand and accommodate difference to overcome the adverse effects that result from the failure to understand sufficiently the differences among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and societies.

Given the diversity present in those attending, there will be many opportunities to learn from diverse contexts around the world about efforts to engage across the interface between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, across all disciplines, from individuals to societies, governments and nations. The intention is to move beyond identifying and understanding problems towards creative solutions that meet the needs of present and future generations. The conference provides the opportunity to develop a broader understanding by seeing and hearing things outside our own scope, to make connections across boundaries, and to formulate partnerships across new interfaces.

Key questions:
- Where and when does difference become an issue?
- What and where are the sites of conflict or hostility?
- What are the main points of contention?
- How can we live with difference?
- What solutions can we offer?
- What futures can we imagine?

Strands dealing with critical issues in:
- Society, Culture & Language
- Health
- Education
- Law & Justice
- Economic Development & Business
- Science & Knowledge
- Resources & Environment
- Alterity and Difference
- Communities: past, present and future

Target groups:
- Academics
- Emerging researchers and graduate students
- Community workers and activists
- Local and national government representatives
- Elders

Confirmed keynote speakers to date include Professor Larissa Behrendt, Professor John Borrows, Moana Jackson, Assistant Professor Daniel Longboat, Dr Pita Sharples, and Professor Ngahuia Te Awekotuku.

Abstracts for individual and panel presentations can be submitted online via the conference website. Responses to submissions will be made from 1 February 2010 (if not earlier). The closing date for submissions will be 31 March 2010. The number of presentations is limited, so early submissions will have a greater chance of being accepted.

For more information on the conference or to register interest in it, please visit our website at: www.traditionalknowledge2010.ac.nz