Obama speech inspires native pride

Moerangi Vercoe, 18, (right) at the Tribal Youth Gathering in Washington DC last week. Photo / Supplied

A former Rotorua Girls' High School head girl who spent last week rubbing shoulders with the likes of Michelle Obama has returned with a renewed sense of passion for indigenous cultures.

Moerangi Vercoe, 18, was one of five people chosen to attend the 2015 Tribal Youth Gathering hosted at The White House in Washington DC.

Two recipients of the Hawea Vercoe Scholarship, set up by former Rotorua man Dr Lance O'Sullivan and named in memory of Moerangi's father, also attended.

During her week in the United States, Moerangi also attended the United Native Indian Tribal Youth (Unity) conference.

She said both events were eye opening and she left with a "whole new perspective".

"When Michelle Obama spoke at the Tribal Youth Gathering I was in complete awe of her. She is such an inspiring, amazing woman and everything she said resonated with me as an indigenous Maori woman."

She said the one-day event was broken into two parts - the first half was listening to keynote speakers and the second half saw attendees take part in break-out sessions.

"Both aspects of the event were interesting and all the keynote speakers were passionate and spoke on really thought-provoking topics.

"It was also nice to be able to interact during the break-out sessions and have a more hands-on experience."

Moerangi said she particularly felt a connection with the native American culture during her stay in the US.

"When I heard about the oppression their native people had experienced and their constant battle to reclaim their rights, I could really sympathise with them and it made me feel proud of how far our indigenous Maori culture has come.

"We all came back so inspired and ready to make a difference in our own backyard. I felt honoured to have the opportunity to represent my culture at these events and it made me appreciate even more, what it means to be Maori."