From the moment of our arrival in Auckland, New Zealand for the 1st World Indigenous Television Broadcasting Conference (WITBC 2008), we were immersed into an unforgettable experience of shared cultural brotherhood with all of the indigenous communities represented across the globe as orchestrated by our gracious hosts at Maori TV.
In what was an extraordinary global affair, All Roads delegates, including board member Frank Blythe were the only professional attendees on hand from the continental U.S. out of 400 registered delegates, from over 32 countries. To set the context, early arriving attendees were treated to a journey into the world of the Maori for a cultural experience that included a visit to a Marae as well as a breath-taking excursion deep into the ngahere. In what was a moving gesture of hospitality, local students from the Marae's kura kaupapa (primary school), and whare kura (secondary school) actually came in to welcome us with beautiful renderings of traditional songs and powerful hakas, on what was their Easter holiday.
More to come...
