In Our DNA
Image credit: Mandeno Martin
My DNA holds the resilience of survivors. My breath is the daily reminder that my ancestors shed blood so I may keep mine inside my body. Yet, I often found myself in the depths of despair, ready to release. For they had one another to rely on for strength and perseverance, I was alone.
Many cannot comprehend the separation of being away from your people. A hole left unfilled and songs calling to you, but you can’t speak back because your mother tongue has been stolen. It wasn’t my fault; it wasn’t their fault.
No matter how hard you try, even the people who claim to be my people pass judgement on the lack of my capabilities in te ao Maaori. That’s when you know colonisation has sunk its roots so deep. When your own people shun you.
But my DNA holds the power of understanding. Knowing that it is not their fault either. They, too, were displaced, their identity distorted – clinging onto what little their parents and grandparents were left with.
Once, my ancestors had sight over the land plentiful with grain and kai. Now we are expected to fight over the crumbs of the bread thrown to us and told to be grateful – that Maaori should be happy that it wasn’t any other country that colonised us because ‘it could’ve been worse.’
My soul and spirit are never at rest, though my body lays in bed with my eyes closed. I am everywhere and nowhere. Feet on the ground but lost in dreams yearning for the sound of whaikoorero to welcome any and all to our homes. Their ‘kiwi kindness’ was always our norm.
My DNA holds the power to change. My ancestors give me the strength to hold my own back. All I had to do was ask. All I had to do was begin. All we have to do is be resilient and realise that no matter what others say, you have your ancestors. They are watching. They are guiding.
Whether it be the heaviness in your pounamu on your neck warning you of ticking boxes. The hunger in your stomach to fight for your whole cake and not just a piece on the ‘diversity and equity’ table.
We were reduced to many things, but as much as they tell us we cannot, we will. We will speak their languages, eat their food, and live among them. But they will never have what we have. We have the connection to our ancestors and our true home, this land, Aotearoa. We weren’t just brought here, born here or raised here. We were created here.
So for that, I will fight. Sometimes I will lose. Then I will fight again, and I will win.
Our DNA holds the definition of warriors.
