Day 1 of the Conference

Keynote Speaker Professor Emeritus Sir Mason Durie's

presentation was on Mauri Ora - On Human Flourishing

[Maori Ora is about flourishing and Mauri Noho is about languishing] 

In respect to Sir Mason Durie I will be only uploading one image from his presentation. Sir Durie (my first opportunity to hear him speak] is a person who has spent a lifetime working towards Human Flourishing on so many levels. What an inspiring role model he is and duly awarded. I will share with you a snippet from one of his slide's presented on the day. Many questions were posed due to the context he was speaking in - International Indigenous Research Conference. Questions posed:

1. 'Is this to be the Indigenous Century - In which the term 'indigenous' is no longer routinely followed by the word 'problem'.
2. In which Kupe's values and laws thrive in the lives of his descendants and are adopted by Cook's people too.
3. The Indigenous research community - Provides the building blocks:

• By providing data, science, ideas : the tools for imaging a different beginning
• By being practical and relevant
• By being aware of the possibilities for true transformation
• By inspiring and holding us to account
• By helping to shape the audacious vision of a new generation of Kupe's.'

Friend, Piki and Kiri Diamond (Nieces) Viti

 

2016 International Indigenous Research Conference

What a fabulous 4 days this was - finished today.

Have made the decision to allow a few days to pass and write from a reflective position. Int he interim will share the following. What a wonderful opportunity to sit amongst international researchers sharing their knowledge and gained along a range of milestone of their academic journey. Including Many who work outside of the academic institutions which bought a different perspective on looking global issues from a local to global perspective. 'The key question for me from the first Keynote Speaker was, to reflect upon, 'What are we called to do - as Maori or Indigenous researchers?

Will share with you one of the performances that took place on Day 1. Trust you enjoy. There will be others to follow and images.

 

Language of the collective

Indigenous Early Career & Post Graduate Workshop - Pre-Conference Monday 14th

Many takeaways with this workshop which evolved throughout the day.  These are a few of the bullet points that I have noted to share in regards to research - from a range of speakers - that we are entering into or as practitioners of research:

•  What counts for OR what are we called to do as Maori or Indigenous.
• What are we trying to do with our work?
• Understanding the terrain in which we can move.
• Undertaking work that not just describes but is transforming.
• Understanding that a PhD is a platform for greater things.
• Understanding time zones in the context of: research, schedules and goals and how one can feel adrift in this space.
• In the Maori context it is the speed of the group that is important not the individual.
• Time behaves differently for Maori - how we time travel - who we take with us - histories - memories - often heavy and 
• so much more was learnt today.
• 
  Time for a break...
  
  I am looking forward to reflecting on the above commentary in the fullness of time. No doubt there will be more pieces that will land on this canvas over the coming days.
  
  My major takeaway today was an understanding of where I sit in the scheme of things in terms of being a research practitioner not in the academic environment - although my intent is similar. 
  
  The following comment was shared today and it resonated for me.
  
  

  There are, different forms of activism

  which

  looks for answers beyond the university.

  
  

  
  

   
   

A week like no other

14th - 18th November

The 7th Biennial 

International Indigenous Research Conference 2016

Hosted by The University of Auckland

New Zealand Maori Research Centre of Research Excellence.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 1: Monday 14th Pre-Conference Indigenous Early Career/Post-Graduate Workshop Programme.

'To provide opportunities for  networking and to discuss theory, methods, academic experiences, and good practices for publishing. The discussion will be a mix of informal, interactive and round-table sessions led by Indigenous academics.'

What I am looking forward to throughout the day is to gain an understanding if my research projects over the last 13 years have incorporated an Indigenous 'way of seeing things'. My cross-cultural back ground and departure from the New Zealand - which shaped my formative years has been replaced by a very different context over the last 4 decades spent in Australia. This in itself disrupts but does it change the way we interact with our new environments from an Indigenous perspective?  

Or do we retain those earlier influences in our approach to research projects immaterial of where we live or the influences that continue to shape and mold us over time. I look forward to building upon this knowing in the coming days. 

The second component of the day is to learn what Indigenous Academics view as good practice for publishing. 

Will this advise align with my own self-publishing with my approach to both resource book? The first book was self-published in 2013 and my second in 2016.

Copies will be available at the Conference - Mob: 0428 174 546

and Email: viti@bearfruit.com.au if interested.

I will be presenting at the Conference on Wednesday 16th November ARTS

206 Room 217 in the morning parallel Session A4 10:15am - 12:15pm.  

My presentation focuses on Microfinance empowering women, families and communities in rural Nepal.

 

Talk about synergy...

The following first edition of the e-magazine HONESTLY WOMAN went live and Bev Ryan the Co-founder of this magazine mentioned to all those profiled (of which I was one) that we should have a Launch and catch-up to celebrate. When I mentioned I would be in Brisbane for a couple of days on my way to NZ the Launch was organised to coincide with my visit.  And so it was that a number of us gathered for Bev's launch on the evening of Wednesday 9th November at the Paddington & Co. So special!

Bev Ryan 
Link for viewing the magazine below - Free subscription

https://joom.ag/fYGQ 

Below: Kim Jorgensen, Viti and Bev Ryan Founder

Below: Dolores, Simone, Lana and Jennifer Gael

 

 

 

Photos Below: Simone then

Sandra and Lana

 

 

 

Viti Simmons back blogging

It has been quite some time since I last blogged.

LIFE happens...

A new chapter begins
One of reconnecting to culture....

In the interim some of the activities that have taken place: -

(A)  SELF PUBLISHED my second non-fiction book available on the following links: -

Book 1 description   A tree needs water to bear fruit: Enterprising women creating reservoirs for poverty alleviation. 

Book 2 description   bearing fruit: MICROFINANCE Empowering women, families and communities. Also available online: - Amazon and e-book download

Order Form  Direct sales option from Viti for Australia and New Zealand.

(B)  Board Member for Linkwest Inc. Peak Body for micro and small community organisations across the  West Australian State. 

(C) Launched my 2nd book in Auckland New Zealand May 2016 with the support of the Auckland Councils - Manukau City Council. 

In 1973 I left New Zealand intending to return. That did not happen! Therefore, 4 decades later the choice to launch my 2nd book in NZ in May 2016 was due to circumstances and intuition. When I first arrived, I met Diane and Georgina who reconnected me to culture in a way I had not anticipated. Soon after my niece Kiri Diamond - who attended my book launch - at its conclusion recommended I submit an abstract to a conference being held in N.Z. in November. I thank them sincerely!

Niece Kiri Diamond and Viti 



Diane Tuari CEO Ngangaru,  NZ's leading Social Value Network Organisation and
Georgina Papa who provides support for the  Office of Kelvin Davis MP.

STEPPING STONES...

Viti - Honorary research across Australasia

FIRST STONE

In 2003 - 2005 I undertook research for the Centre for Women and Business, University of WA.  The scale of this research was made possible by integrating with personal travel across Australasia over an 18 month period.

Interviewing women operating small businesses in rural, regional, remote and provincial areas accumulated in 75 women participating. At the conclusion an academic article was published,. Enterprising Women in Rural, Regional and Remote Australasia was initially presented at the SEAANZ conference in Armidale, N.S.W (Leonie V. Still and Viti Simmons 2005, Vol. 14, Number 1 - 2006) and was the recipient of a best paper award.

SECOND STONE

In 2009 I received a scholarship to attend the 10 month Leadership W.A. Signature Experiential Leadership programme. One of the guest speakers was Kira Kay who spoke on Grass Roots Leadership and her work with Hands with Hands (HwH) a small N.G.O in Nepal.

In the above published article's introduction it refers to the majority of previous research into women's businesses has concentrated on examining Microcredit and the Grameen Banking System. Kira's presentation and the organisations philosophy of, 'Give the net not the fish' was the hook for me.

Kira Kay International President HwH

THIRD STONE

By 2010 I had graduated from the leadership programme - contacted Kira Kay based in Germany and commenced discussions about a visit to their Micocredit projects in Nepal. Kira asked that while I was visiting would I be interested in undertaking research with their Microfinance Cooperative with the assistance of translators. This was undertaken pro bono and viewed this request as a gift!

In 2011, on behalf of HwH and with the guidance of Shila and Ram conducted interviews and attended activities associated with these projects in rural Chitwan District, Nepal to gain an outsiders perspectives. A report was produced for the organisation.

Shila and Ramchandra KC translators and
employees of HwH in Chitwan Nepal.

FOURTH STONE

As an Ambassador for HwH within Australia my contribution has evolved into one of raising awareness of the wonderful work undertaken by this organisation and its international network. My first self-published book was a by-product from the above research. 

                 *20% percent of book sales go direct to Hands with Hands projects.*

FIFTH STONE

Further studies were undertaken at the University of Western Australia in 2011 (Post Graduate Certificate in Social Impact) as part of the first cohort. Microcredit and Grameen Bank was central to one of the units of this course of study.

* An informative read for those not familiar with Professor Muhammad Yunus, considered the father of Microcredit. Yunus M with Jolis A, Banker to the poor: the story of the Grameen Bank, Arum Press Ltd 1998.*

SIXTH STONE

I returned to Nepal (2014) and gathered further data from HwH Microfinance Cooperatives and an additional data from HwH Annapurna Self-Sustaining Children's Orphan Home in Pokhara. This research provided the bases for my second self-published book which has other contributors including two local Nepali women. The final chapter has been included as a platform to explore the possibilities in developed world economies - Microcredit success and learnings re-framed.

Sarada Basnet Volunteer Manager of Annapurna Children's Home
with crops planted on their land which are crucial to their
self-sustaining business model.

SEVENTH STONE

The decision to return to New Zealand to launch my 2nd book was intuitive  as so much of this journey has been. Diane and Georgina have reconnected me to culture by inviting me to their symposium hosted by Ngangaru NZ's leading Social Value Network Organisation who hosted a Health Symposium in Pt Chevalier in May 2016 and niece Kiri who was at the launch of my second book recommended that I submit an abstract to the following: -

7th Biennial International Indigenous Research Conference 
hosted by Nga Pae o te Maramatanga on the 15-18 November 2016

in Auckland, New Zealand.
*Registrations are open until  31 October 2016.*

EIGHT STONE

I am about to step onto the eight stone with a framework that has emerged as I have walked from one stone to another with the motto, tread carefully and respectfully.  

Since the publication of my first book the following question has gathered momentum...

'How to take the microcredit concept that has been successful in developing world contexts and apply it elsewhere.' It is sobering to realise the level of exclusion from financial markets that exist even in developed economies.

My starting point will come from theory in practice qualitative research linked to microfinance cooperatives a decade on in rural villages in Chitwan District, Nepal.

Example 1: Women' economic empowerment sets a path towards gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive economic empowerment.

Example 2: HwH model for the establishment of microfinance cooperatives and Annapurna Self-Sustaining Orphan Children's Home.

Example 3: Local leadership drives action in community development.

My intent moving forward will be to integrate the learnings from the forthcoming conference around the above framework while in New Zealand which will provide the nucleus 

for my future blogging activity. 

Look forward to sharing it with you.

Viti

Director Bear Fruit

Social Business

http://www.bearfruit.com.au

Shared Value

Extractive Industry Perspective

Mining for Development Conference April 2015

Venue: University Club of Western Australia - Day 2

Met these women participants rom
Nigeria and Ghana.

The opportunity to attend the Mining for Development Conference was generated from an invite from Professor Paul Flatau, Centre for Social Impact Alumni at UWA who was hosting the event. As a CSI member I was keen to attend because we had spent a number of decades in the Pilbara Region employed in the mining industry. Over this time I had observed first hand how mining  has evolved in terms of the industry realizing the benefits of such an approach.

What was exciting was on Day 2 of the conference was primarily made up of four panel forums each with a Facilitator and four Panel Members presenting case like studies from an International perspectives. 

The main take away from this conference for me was the interpretation of 'Shared Value' including Joanne Farrell (Keynote Speaker), Global Head of Health, Safety, Security Environment realizing benefits'. This focus was replicated throughout the day as panelist's shared their international endeavours at a political/community/industry perspective on Shared Value and the examples they put forward under this umbrella.

Final panel for the day:
Facilitator Michelle Andrews (Dept of Mines and Petroleum)
Panelists: Professor Marcia Langton
Chair of Indigenous Studies,
University of Melbourne.
Mark Griffin (UWA).
Dianne Aikung Hombhanje
Mineral resources Authority Papua New Guinea
Hon. Irene Muloni
Minister for Energy & Mineral Development Uganda.

Also sourced from a range of presentation is the following content which I viewed as useful to apply in other sector contexts connected to: Local, Regional, National and International establishment and applications of projects or service delivery.

"Some Engagement Essentials:

• Decision Chain - eg. Natural Resource Charter
• Scale - Project sector framework & policy, international standards
• Actors - Network of influencers' and decision makers, selectivity
• Time - Short & long term, early, opportunistic or demand based
• Space - formal, informal, mandatory and voluntary
• Data- intellectual rigour, analytics, evidence based propositions
• Message - messaging and innovation
• Independence - integrity and presence on the ground
• Structural - end game, organisation accountability
• Staying Power. (Sourced from presentation on the 2nd day of the Conference)."

Trust aspects of this sharing has been useful.

Viti

SHILA PANDEY -  BUILDING CAPACITY

Facilitator / Social Mobilizer

Hands with Hands Microcredit Projects in Nepal

Viti and Shila
Photo taken in November 2015 Chitwan District

I    I first met Shila in February 2011 when undertaking microcredit fieldwork on behalf of Hands with Hands  (HwH) in rural villages, Chitwan District, Nepal. Shila's role with this small NGO involves 'building capacity' through a range of training initiatives for members and villagers:
·        Microcredit introductory courses
·        Literacy training
·        Candle making
·        Agriculture training
·        Marketing
·        Carpet weaving and
·        Sewing
HwH’s staff is also supported through mentoring by HwH Co-founders: Kira Kay and Di Pendra KC. This has been crucial to Shila's development as her role has expanded.

Shila and Ramchandra KC participated with my fieldwork and were essential in providing cultural awareness in this context and translated the interviews conducted with Jutpani Microfinance Co-operative members. My above report provided an outsiders perspective on the following:

1.     What Nepali individuals and families perceived as important and beneficial in their lives with respect to HwH’s provision of microcredit
2.     How they felt about the loans and highlight what changes in their life could be attributed to the loan/s. (pg.25 Simmons, 2013)

Viti handing over a copy of her book to
Shila and Ramchandra
during her visit to Nepal in 2014.

"Reconnecting with Shila and Ramchandra is what makes pro bono activities so rewarding and meaningful. Their generosity and willingness throughout my fieldwork holds a place in my heart and are a timely reminder why local endeavours are so crucial to sustainability at a grass roots level. (Pg. 53 Simmons, V. A tree needs water to bear fruit: Enterprising women creating reservoirs for poverty alleviation) 

Book available read more...
20% of sales goes to HwH projects

The opportunity to attend Udya Savings & Credit Co-operative Ltd. Jutpani-4, Chitwan A.G.M (2014) is now being run by Board members. This was in contrast to when I attended their 2011 A.G.M. A wonderful example of what ‘Building Capacity’ within the Microfinance Co-operative looks like. It was so rewarding seeing this progress first hand and the bearing of fruit from all involved since 2011.

Jutpani Board Members November 2014

The following are a few photos taken on the day which was followed up with a walk around the village to look at and meet members operating their enterprises.

Visit to a Co-operative member producing mustard oil next 
to her mustard seed crusher. Her other enterprise is  
developing baby pigs.

Shila and Viti walking through a mustard seed plantation

Erin Pope, Man Kumazi Lama, Viti and Ganu Lama
both members were interviewed in 2011 & 2014.

Over a number of years Co-founders of HwH have provided mentoring and training opportunities for staff/cooperative members which has provided a flow on affect to villages. More importantly, that once co-operatives are established those training needs are then determined by co-operative members.

Some of the training is also made available to men and youth in these villages.

Kira Kay Co-founder of HwH's and

Di Pendra KC (HwH Co-founder and guest) at
the opening of the New Commercial Bank in Bharatpur 
where Jutpani co-operative members (below) opened accounts.
A wonderful example of 'building capacity' over time
with the right philosophy, vision and approach. 

The recent and ongoing earthquakes in Nepal have been devastating. Direct feedback indicates local people involved in various HwH's projects - across Nepal - are safe. However, infrastructure and buildings associated with HwH's Children's Homes have been impacted.

A local partnership developed prior to the earthquake between Nripal (Architect) and Shila (Social Mobilizer) took on a new meaning when they made the decision to head to Gorkha village which was near the epicenter of the first large earthquake.

Gorkha Village after the earthquake

Their response was heartwarming to all those involved at an international level from the feedback, hear, photos and social media the collective impact they are generating at a local level – post earthquake.

I hold the view that partnerships like Nripal and Shila highlights the reminder that when we choose to become involved with an organisation  - immaterial in what capacity to contribute towards social change we need to ask the question, WHY do I wish to become involved? If your motivation is about the WE and not the I then the likelihood of it being a positive experience is far greater!

While on a meditation retreat with Shila in November 2014 I asked her what type of training she had undertaken as her role of responsibilities has grown.  The following is a snapshot of what she shared:

• 5 days Sustainability of Microfinance / Institutions through financial services
• 3 days attending Microfinance Summit in Nepal
• 8 days Triple P training
• Financial Mobilizer Training
• Self-Management Leadership training (HwH's Micro-finance program coordinating)
• 15 days of TOT training with Government and Private Sector 
• 4 days Accounting training

Shila and local Nepali trainer overseeing training opportunities
with Jutpani Microfinance members requested.

During my 2011 fieldwork I came up with the following musings:

Microcredit creates purpose

Purpose creates income

Income creates opportunity

Opportunity creates choices

Choices creates health and wellbeing

Health and wellbeing creates productive communities

Productive communities become self-determining (Viti 2011)

This remains my compass!

Shila learning the art of making apple pie at the 
meditation retreat at Nagarkot Farmhouse Resort.

Finally, when I asked Shila her thoughts about her expanded role this was her response:

I am social Mobilizer / Facilitator [which] means moving to community members or you can say mediates. When I want to share an idea and thought [and] if they easily get this - I am so happy. I want to help them increase their income and complete their basic needs.

I am inspired by the work of Nepali people like Shila and Nripal and the behind the scenes facilitating and mentoring Kira and Dipendra provide to those assisting - during this time of need. Over the coming weeks and months ahead they will be stretched and in that process discover a new found individual capacity and collective responsibility - post earthquake. Take special care!

You remain in our thoughts!

Viti Simmons - Director Bear Fruit 

Australian Ambassador for Hands with Hands