Would you like to use the marae?

The anniversary festivities honoring Ruatepupuke II in 2007 led to a renewed sense of purpose on both sides of the marae.  We are alike now even more resolved than ever to make this unusual marae a multicultural place of encounter for all the people of Chicago, as well as for visitors to the Museum from all parts of the globe.

In this manner, we want to honor the spirit embodied in a traditional Maori proverb often quoted nowadays in Aotearoa (New Zealand):

Hutia te rito o te harakeke Kei hea te komako e ko Ki mai ki
ahau He aha te mea nui o te ao Maku e ki atu
He tangata He tangata He tangata.

If the center shoot of the flax is pulled out, where will the bellbird sing? If you were to ask me what is the most important thing in the world, I would reply:
It is people, it is people, it is people.

 

Maori house docent teaches inside Ruatepupuke II

Marae Ruatepupuke II acts as a perfect education facility allowing Musuem staff to teach Museum visitors about the marae (© 2008, Dale F. Simpson Jr.)