When I first heard about Moana 2, my immediate reaction was excitement tinged with skepticism. Sequels, especially in the Disney pantheon, are tricky. They often fall into the trap of either retreading old ground or overcomplicating their narratives in an attempt to justify their existence. With Moana 2, the stakes are high. The first film…
Tag: Indigenous Peoples
Why Mining Will Never Be Sustainable? And Why Responsible Mining Is Our Only Path Forward (Part 1)
For over two decades, I have seen many Indigenous communities whose lands have been scarred by mining. From Buyat Bay in North Sulawesi, where Newmont Minahasa Raya poisoned the waters with mercury and arsenic, to Timika in West Papua, where Freeport McMorran’s operations have turned sacred lands into a wasteland. I have seen firsthand the…
Moana
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…