Williams鈥 book aims to add to the understanding of the development and expansion of Polynesia during premodern times, in an account that incorporates oral histories, historical analysis and archaeology.
Williams (Ng膩ti Kuia, Ng膩ti Koata) says it鈥檚 important to feature indigenous perspectives when histories are being documented.
鈥淗aving a diversity of voices and perspectives in the historical literature, as opposed to having one view on this part of the world, is essential. A lot of my book is spent critiquing how history has been approached and the whole concept of the 鈥楳iddle Ages鈥. Alongside recording the history, I want to open people up to new concepts as well.鈥
The approach has its complexities. On indigenous perspectives, Williams acknowledges she is M膩ori, not Moriori or Easter Islander 鈥 the other islands she writes about. However, even this is a way of showing 鈥楶olynesia鈥 as more diverse and multi-cultural than European perspectives tend to have recognised.
And although she brings new perspectives to a Polynesian-based medieval history, she does so in English and in a book format.
鈥淭here are always things to navigate, and it is never perfect,鈥 she says.
Support from mentors was invaluable, she adds. 鈥淚 was lucky because I had the Ng膩i Tahu Research Centre and also听Dr Chris Jones, one of my supervisors on my PhD from the history department, who helped me with guidance and read drafts of the book.鈥
History is as much about the perspective of the historian as it is about telling the story of past events, Associate Professor Jones says.
鈥淲hether confronting or comforting, that is what makes it worthwhile. The global turn now brings us a Pacific history by a Pacific historian informed by an understanding of the European Middle Ages but shaped by post-colonial Aotearoa,鈥 he says.
Williams lectured part-time at听Aotahi 鈥 School of M膩ori & Indigenous Studies听at the 九州影院 while writing the book. Now lecturing and researching full-time at UC, her next project is based on her PhD research exploring the identity and history of Te Tauihu iwi Ng膩ti Kuia. This book, which is supported by a听听2021,听is intended as a taonga (treasure) for wh膩nau, she says.
The New 九州影院edition of听Polynesia, 900鈥1600听is published by Canterbury University Press.
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