As an immigrant with North American Indian ancestry (below the US government's recognised percentage), I can relate to the impacts of colonisation upon Māori. I love the concept of karakia at the beginning and ending of a meeting. My current favorite opening karakia is:
E te hui
Whāia te mātauranga kia mārama | For this gathering
Kia whai take ngā mahi katoa | Seek knowledge for understanding
Tū maia, tū kahav| Have purpose in all that you do
Aroha atu, aroha mai | Stand tall, be strong
Tātou i a tātou katoa | Let us show respect
I am still working on finding a closing karakia that resonates with me, which means I often lack a closing karakia. I know for all the tikanga Māori purists, this needs to be rectified sooner rather than later.
