Indigenous DAO Toolkit - Personal Endorsements

"I believe that the crisis that modern capitalist society creates is counterbalanced by indigenous relations. I want to see this DAO work and become successful enough that we can create a new normal of public relationships, one where groups are based in sovereignty. My mind and heart has been opened by using computer protocols along similar lines like Scuttlebutt."

"Our whaanau need these resources to stay ahead of digital needs as whaanau rely heavily on these tools to stay connected with whaanau, hapuu, marae and iwi."

"This kaupapa resonates deeply with me because I've observed how the concept of tino rangatiratanga is often narrowly interpreted and constrained by colonial frameworks, even extending into the digital world. I believe this project offers a vital opportunity to challenge that status quo and empower Māori to lead with tino rangatiratanga as the guiding principle in digital spaces.

For my whānau and the broader Māori community, I see this as a crucial step towards leveling the playing field. It has the potential to unlock new ways of thinking and operating for our trusts, PSGEs, IMPBs, and other entities, moving beyond the confines of Western paradigms.

In a world where AI and digital technologies are advancing at an astonishing rate, supporting initiatives like this is not just important, it's essential. Without Indigenous governance and digital sovereignty, we risk becoming vulnerable to new forms of dominance. This project excites me because it envisions a future where more whānau Māori can actively engage in the work of their iwi, hapū, and whānau, with tino rangatiratanga embedded in the digital infrastructure, ensuring the autonomy and sovereignty of our data.

Indigenous-led technology is paramount because it ensures that our values are not relegated to the sidelines. This kaupapa has the potential to embed those values directly into tech initiatives, demonstrating that we don't have to sacrifice our cultural integrity to thrive in the digital age.

Personally, as someone who works with digital photos and helps whānau create and share images, I see the immense potential of this project. It offers a pathway to optimize and streamline my work in a way that respects te ao Māori values and upholds data sovereignty. The thought that this could become the norm, where technology inherently aligns with our cultural principles, is incredibly motivating and deeply connected to my values and my work."