As a person with Polynesian roots, watching Moana felt like witnessing a blend of pride and discomfort. It’s rare to see a Disney movie, or any major Hollywood production, centering Polynesian culture, but with that representation comes both responsibility and scrutiny. While Moana captures some beautiful aspects of Polynesian life, traditions, and landscapes, it also…
Beyond the Rhetoric: Dismantling Cognitive Colonialism in the Fight for Indigenous Autonomy
For two decades, I have worked at the intersection of Indigenous rights and environmental justice, advocating for my people and many others across Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand how Indigenous Peoples’ voices continue to be sidelined within the very movements that claim to support us. This marginalisation of Indigenous…
Understanding Our Cosmology: A Reflection from an Indigenous
DISCLAIMER: This short note is pratically my long version of the comments I left in this video, which were discussing about “Sasi” or known as “Eha”. Why now? Because today I have the time. Back then, I had no intention to respond to brainless mob of non Indigenous on the topic, nor the willingness to…