By centering my practice around indigenous healing, I work with the land whilst acknowledging my identity as a tauiwi settler in Aotearoa. This particular work creates a conversation around taking responsibility for humans touch on earth through recognizing our connection to the land we are on. ‘Fanua’ in Sāmoan translates to both land and placenta. This link is further referenced by the ritual burial of the pure (umbilical chord) and fanua (placenta) into the land or earth.

 

The work is about honouring the relevance of our indigenous beliefs as they have the power to influence and improve how we move in this world and ultimately how we have an impact on the current climate crisis.

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"Harmony in Sāmoan life recognises that all living things are equal. Human life is equivalent and complementary to cosmic, plant and animal life. In the balance of life, all living things share equal status and power. Man is no less powerful or greater than the heavens, the trees, the fish or cattle and vice versa. In the organisation of life, the relationship between man and the cosmos, man and the environment, man and man, and man and himself is, each and together, premised on the search for balance, peace and harmony”

 

- Tupua Tamasese Efi