Sophia and Tiana returned to New Zealand on Friday 14th October after a Cultural and Sport exchange in the USA. Both Sophia and Tiana had the opportunity to share the Māori culture with the Navajo People on the Navajo Reservation in Chinle, Arizona and the Navajo people shared their food, culture and way of life. The girls reported that their journey into Canyon De Chelly, the history of the Canyon and the meaning to the Navajo people was absolutely breath taking.

The girls also had the opportunity to speak at Chinle Elementary School to talk about the Māori culture and for the students and staff to share their way of life with the girls, as well. A strong bond was formed with the Navajo people, so much so that they wish to fly to New Zealand to learn more about the Māori people and Aotearoa. The girls also spent time at Chinle High School to talk about Māori culture and exchange gifts.

Sophia, Tiana and past MHJC student Ngapipi played 18 basketball games in total starting in Los Angeles at Costa Mesa High School where they attained third place and then travelled to Chinle where they played the Navajo Seniors and then to Maricopa, Sequoia Pathway Academy, Arizona, where they placed third again. This was an experience that both Sophia and Tiana will not forget, and to have met with the Navajo people and fully engage in the way they live and celebrate who they are, was extremely special.

There are many Māori families living and working in the USA and for them to journey with Sophia and Tiana’s Ngā Hau E Wha group from New Zealand was another great experience, as it allowed for them to reconnect to who they are and for them to share their homes and food with the group, whilst they were travelling through the USA.  What an amazing experience girls – well done!