Flavell to meet First Nations people in US

Te Ururoa Flavell. PHOTO/FILE

Te Ururoa Flavell is on his way to the United States to meet with the First Nations people and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

This follows on from his visit to Ireland and Wales where he experienced first-hand what the two countries were doing for indigenous language revitalisation.

Mr Flavell, the Waiariki MP and Maori Development and Whanau Ora Minister, spent just over a week in ministerial engagements in Ireland visiting schools, language organisations, businesses and the local city council in Galway, which has been driving efforts to revitalise the Gaelic language in corporate settings.

He also met with Rt. Hon. Sean Kyne Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources. In Wales, he met with the First Minister of Wales, Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones.

"The visit has been a fruitful one. Visiting Colaiste na Coiribe Irish Medium School and seeing the students embrace both languages is encouraging.

"Then seeing how local businesses and the council take up the challenge of incorporating their indigenous language into everyday use, shows a strong recognition that the indigenous language is important."

His visit to the United States aims to strengthen relationships with indigenous people and share insights particularly on the delivery of services to indigenous communities.

He will spend two days visiting tribal leaders, schools, service providers and tribal court on the reservation.

Mr Flavell will be hosted by the Pascua Yaqui Nation in Tucson, Arizona. The Pascua Yaqui Nation is part of the Tiwahe initiative which has similar objectives as Whanau Ora.