Planting the seeds of cultural restoration through connection with place: Indigenous Future Leaders programme as a case study

Place is a bedrock for many cultural identities and is central to wellbeing. This is particularly important for many Indigenous communities, for whom place-based practices are critical expressions of self. Here, we examine the impact of a Future Leaders programme for Indigenous rangatahi (youth) on their identity and wellbeing. Using the Rangatahi Tumeke (RT) programme in New Zealand as a case study, we interviewed 54 rangatahi and their family. Whānau interviews were included for insight into intergenerational relationships with place and knowledge transfer. Findings showed that before attending RT, many rangatahi struggled with a sense of disconnection from their Taha Māori (Māori side), including feelings of cultural insecurity and internalized shame. Following the camp, rangatahi described RT as giving them a sense of reconnection to their Taha Māori through place. They identified RT as critical to empowering them with a sense of belonging, psychological safety, and self-esteem. Whānau (family members) observed an increase in confidence, resilience, and leadership skills amongst rangatahi. Interviews further revealed that RT supports a sense of belonging and connection to te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) amongst the wider community, placing both rangatahi and whānau on pathways to deepen cultural connection, learning, and environmental wellbeing. This work emphasises how uplifting Indigenous peoples and supporting cultural and environmental wellbeing can begin by supporting a focus on cultural restoration through place and place-based practices. We advocate for exploration of further opportunities and resources to enable grassroots community programmes such as RT to flourish, now and into the future.