Whakapapa
Whakapapa is a Māori word meaning, as I understand it, to connect with a sense of identity: belonging. I came across it when I fleetingly became interested in the Euro football event and learnt that the England team were encouraged to develop a sense of group identity (whakapapa) by their New Zealand psychologist.
To belong in a good way, I believe we need to know that we will be respected, able to feel safe, to feel connected, and be able to express our true selves, whether in relation to family, friends, colleagues, nature, or the wider world. I believe that this means acknowledging our roots in our shared humanity, whilst honouring the richness of our diversity. Enjoy belonging!
