Violet Walker Attending Genomics Symposium

Awanuiārangi Science Expert Awarded Scholarship for Prestigious Genomics Symposium 

Violet Walker, National Programme Coordinator for Environmental Studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, will attend the Global Indigenous Leadership in Genomics Symposium, after being awarded a scholarship from the Summer Internship for Indigenous Peoples in Genomics (SING Aotearoa). 

Accompanied by four alumni and two faculty members of the SING Aotearoa programme, she will attend the esteemed week-long event at the University of British Columbia in Canada from 6-9 May 2024. The event will include networking opportunities, plenary sessions, and expert speakers covering topics such as indigenous-led genomics, bioinformatics, data sovereignty, and decolonial/indigenous ethics. 

Violet’s role at Awanuiārangi enables her to navigate and bridge the gap between mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and modern scientific paradigms concerning the environment, strongly aligning to the theme of the symposium of indigenous-led genomics. She emphasises her primary objective in attending the symposium. 

“My goal is to help empower students and promote fair collaboration in science and innovation for the benefit of Aotearoa.  

“I want to help continue unlocking the potential of Māori knowledge, people and resources, and help strengthen relationships between Māori and the Crown in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.” 

Violet emphasises the importance of recognising Māori as guardians of Aotearoa’s natural resources, indigenous knowledge, and commercial assets, stating, “It’s vital that we acknowledge Māori as stewards of our natural resources, indigenous knowledge, and commercial assets. 

"We must enhance Māori engagement across multiple sectors, such as individuals, businesses, trusts, rūnanga, iwi, hapū, and marae. Empowering Māori in these areas fosters genuine collaboration and ensures that indigenous perspectives drive scientific progress and innovation throughout Aotearoa.” 

According to SING Global, the symposium's focus on indigenous leadership fundamentally changes the discourse, acknowledging the deep understanding and capacity of indigenous peoples to lead genome sciences and technologies that directly affect them. This shift promotes inclusivity and adopts a decolonial approach, fostering fair participation and decision-making in genomics research. 

Violet’s participation at the symposium underscores her commitment to promoting indigenous-led genomics and emphasises the significance of cultivating collaboration and inclusivity in scientific research. Awanuiārangi applauds Violet for securing the scholarship and eagerly looks forward to her continued dedication to advancing indigenous-led scientific research and innovation for the benefit of Aotearoa.