..................................................................................................................................
author discovered in researching Irihapeti Ramsden (2003),
an Ngai Tahupotiki (Maori) nursing instructor of Aotearoa
(New Zealand). It is a refection on the nature of Indigenous
scholar’s inquiry, or what Irihapeti Ramsden recognized as an
often melancholic journey of self-­discovery. It is an attempt to
understand how, where, and why colonization has reduced
us to dependent remnants of the self-­reliant and independent
peoples our stories remember. We are collectively creating
an alternative voice to colonial lies/myths and calling for the
restoration of the human dignity stolen along with lands,
resources and human rights. Irihapeti Ramsden (2003) used
her own melancholic journey of self-­discovery to re-­ignite
trust and reciprocity between people, and to bring the idea of
Cultural Safety to colonial New Zealand, thereby establishing
a splendid map for future generations of all spaces in need of
decolonization. She was met with considerable resistance in her
homeland as she raised awareness of the truth about abuses
of power by colonial institutions and bureaucracies. By similarly
....................................................................................................................................
scholars everywhere are helping to unravel a global inheritance
of colonial practice. Reconciliation will only be possible when
citizens honour Indigenous people’s resistance, resentment and
rebellion to European myths of conquest. Indigenous scholars
are Being Called to Witness seven generations forward and
to preserve the beauty and strength our ancestors wanted to
................................................................................................................................
our tears, open our eyes, listen deeply, clear our throats, and
raise our strong voices to bear witness to our ancestors’