Cultural Validation Framework

Framework Overview

This Cultural Validation Framework ensures all educational content within Te Kete Ako honors mātauranga Māori, respects tikanga protocols, and maintains cultural authenticity. It is based on the Tātaiako competencies and follows established cultural safety principles.

Core Principle

Nothing about us, without us - All cultural content must involve appropriate Māori expertise, community consultation, and ongoing relationship-building.

Tātaiako Foundation

Wānanga - Robust dialogue
Whanaungatanga - Relationships
Manaakitanga - Respect & integrity
Tangata Whenuatanga - Cultural locatedness
Ako - Reciprocal learning

Validation Process

Phase 1: Initial Assessment

Timeline: 1-2 weeks

Content Review Criteria:

Te reo Māori accuracy (macrons, grammar, context)
Historical fact verification
Cultural concept appropriateness
Tikanga protocol alignment
Educational age-appropriateness

Deliverable: Initial assessment report with identified concerns

Phase 2: Expert Consultation

Timeline: 2-3 weeks

Consultation Panel:

Kaumātua and cultural advisors
Te reo Māori experts
Subject matter specialists
Educational practitioners
Community representatives

Deliverable: Expert feedback report with recommendations

Phase 3: Community Consultation

Timeline: 3-4 weeks

Engagement Process:

Relevant iwi consultation
Community hui and feedback sessions
Whānau input on educational relevance
Local context verification
Cultural safety assessment

Deliverable: Community consultation records and recommendations

Phase 4: Final Validation

Timeline: 1 week

Approval Process:

Cultural validation committee review
Final cultural approval sign-off
Implementation recommendations
Ongoing monitoring protocols
Review and update schedules

Deliverable: Cultural approval certificate and implementation guide

Cultural Validation Checklist

Cultural Risk Assessment

Cultural Risks

Misrepresentation of cultural figures
Inappropriate use of cultural knowledge
Cultural appropriation concerns
Community backlash potential
Sacred knowledge exposure

Educational Risks

Age-inappropriate content
Culturally insensitive teaching strategies
Inaccessible learning materials
Unclear learning outcomes
Curriculum misalignment

Implementation Risks

Teacher cultural competency gaps
Resource availability issues
Assessment bias concerns
Community consultation gaps
Ongoing support limitations

Implementation Guidelines

For Content Creators

Before Creating Content:

Research thoroughly using primary sources
Identify relevant iwi and communities
Establish cultural advisory relationships
Review existing cultural protocols
Plan consultation processes

During Development:

Maintain regular cultural advisor contact
Document all cultural decisions and rationale
Seek iterative feedback at key milestones
Ensure proper attribution and acknowledgment
Test content with target communities

Resources and Support

Cultural Advisory Networks

Local Iwi Cultural Advisors - Regional expertise and protocols
Te Reo Māori Experts - Language accuracy and appropriateness
Educational Practitioners - Classroom implementation guidance
Community Representatives - Grassroots perspective and feedback

Key Reference Documents

Tātaiako: Cultural Competencies for Teachers of Māori Learners
Ka Hikitia: Māori Education Strategy
Tapasa: Cultural Competencies Framework (Pacific)
Treaty of Waitangi: Principles and implications
Te Mātaiaho: New Zealand Curriculum

Cultural Validation Support

For cultural validation queries:

cultural.validation@tekete.co.nz
Cultural Advisory Hotline: 0800-TIKANGA

Emergency cultural concerns:

Immediate review required
24-hour response commitment