The first lecture of Initiative Forum was not a lecture. It was a dialogue, between youth and elders. An open conversation filled with stories, laughter, and shared wisdom between Grandmother Pauline, who has asked to be called so as to be seen as the grandmother of everyone present, and the participants, all fresh and eager for the days to come. Grandmother Pauline Tangiora is a Maori elder and indigenous grandmother from New Zealand. She is a woman filled with wisdom and tales, which she shared with us this morning in an open and honest manner. After the announcements and introductions by the day hosts, all participants were invited on to the stage. There was some shuffling, and a minor technical difficulty involving a microphone that reminded us that technology is not always on our side. Though once all were settled, Grandmother Pauline began to speak, and she filled the room with her clear voice and kind energy. While sitting between people that are now still strangers, you began to view the woman in the center of the stage as a true grandmother. Someone that has been through lots, and knows so much, and is always willing to give advice and feed you cookies. 

Grandmother Pauline first accentuated the importance of dialogue between youth and elders, and how vital we as youngsters really are. We’re making the choices for the future. She presented us with questions that made us questions ourselves and our presence in the room, and she shared stories about a range of different topics. She spoke briefly about borders, and how she could see the benefit of them. Without these boundaries, there would be no culture. Without culture, we are nobody. Grandmother Pauline then opened the conversation for questions from the crowd. First hesitantly, then in a steady stream of motion, hands were raised, and the microphone was passed around. As questions and concerns were fired at her, Grandmother Pauline sat calmly and responded mainly in the form of stories. Her answers weren’t always obvious, and they presented you with more questions to ask. Tough subjects, such as colonialism, modern-day technologies and the situation around refugees, were touched upon. She spoke about personal boundaries, and how you never stop being out of your comfort zone. Neither should or can you step back from what you believe in, but she did stress the importance of knowing your facts when you speak out about these matters. A question concerning her age was truthfully answered (“I am in my 79th year”), and resulted in a couple gasps from the audience. She shared her views on the misappropriation of indigenous symbols and traditions, and told the story of her Maori tribal marking.