February 4, 2009

The agenda on the last day of the Sixth International Indigenous Librarians’ Forum (IILF) included a brief presentation by a delegate, three keynote presentations, and farewells.

Alice Heather, School Library Advisor for the National Library of New Zealand, provided an update on AnyQuestions.co.nz. This co-browsing service provides students with homework advice including an hour a day of services in Te Reo, the Maori language.

Professor Ngahui Te Awekotuku spoke about the inscribed narratives in moko (Maori tattoo). She described the work involved in her Montana Award winning book, Mao Moko: The World of Maori Tattoo. Maui Solomon, barrister and Moriori tribal member, provided background on protection of indigenous knowledge: control of knowledge is at the heart of the issue.

The final keynote speaker was a surprise guest: Ata Te Kanawa, Managing Director and Editor, Tu Mai Media Plus Ltd. Tu Mai is one of the country’s leading magazines, covering issues ranging from international politics to fashion. Finally, the Forum conveners summarized activities and results of group discussions. The delegates approved the statements of previous Forums with some wordsmithing. The Forum will consider revisiting the working definition of indigenous.

There was unanimous support in continuing the Forum meeting at two year intervals. Delegates will look into means to communicate between face-to-face meetings. Delegates offered suggestions on what the IILF would do for its members from supporting professional relationships and scholarships to scheduling and attendance at meetings of common interest, including those on digitization initiatives and an international domain name.  A site for the next Forum will be announced later in 2009.