Book Tour 2025
In 2025, I launched my book tour in Aotearoa to celebrate and bless the release of "Recovering Our Ancestral Foodways: Indigenous Traditions as a Recipe for Living Well." My book is the result of a decade-long research collaboration with Māori and Quechua communities. It focuses on our shared ancestry of kūmara (camote) and the preservation of Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), cultural identities, and Indigenous food sovereignty. Additionally, it explores the practical application of Indigenous values and philosophies in contemporary health and well-being contexts and policy making.
Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland
Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae
We had a lovely book launch with whānau at the Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae. Community members from near and as far as Hawaii joined us. We enjoyed delicious kai (food) from the maara kai (food garden), and mum Elena cooked a Peruvian dish, “causa rellena”, to share.
My deepest gratitude to Lionel Hotene, Valerie Teraitua, and extended whānau (family) for your aroha (love) and manaakitanga (hospitality). You all made my book launch very special!
Whangārei
Wai-a-Ariki Food Forest Onerahi-rahi
Recovering Ancestral Foodways received a heart felt blessing at Wai-a-Ariki Food Forest Onerahi-rahi. It was especially meaningful that children and teachers from Onerahi Primary School, young Maori from Onerahi Intermediate School, and community members were in attendance during my previous visit.
Whakatāne
Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi
The warm whakatau, Welcoming Address by Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, blessing of the book, panel discussion, and delicious Māori kai (food) made the event truly special. Mum and I cooked a Peruvian dish, “causa rellena,” enjoyed by all.
My deepest gratitude to Ngā Āhuatanga o te Kai | The Kai Institute for joining me in celebration.
Northland
Mōtatau School
The book launch at Motatau School was so special. My book pays tribute to the late Uncle Percy Tipene’s vision, aroha, legacy, and support for Indigenous food sovereignty; the event was held on his ancestral lands. Specifically on his beloved kura—Motatau School. Tamariki (children) continue to inspire us with their vitality, strength, and courage in upholding Indigenous traditions, language, and love. I felt honoured to be in the company of such kind and caring whānau (family). I appreciated the affection from the tamariki and the aroha from teachers and community members.
