Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelia Butler.
Hi Amelia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Kia Ora! My name is Amelia Butler and I am an indigenous Māori woman from Aotearoa, New Zealand. I started my business, Learn Māori Abroad, in 2018 when I was living in Los Angeles. At the time I wanted to start my own business but I didn’t know what to start it on! I was thinking about things I’m good at and my ability to speak te reo Māori, the Māori language, came to mind. After many years teaching dance, I knew I had the ability to teach the Māori language. So, I reached out to other New Zealanders via a few Facebook groups to ask if there was any interest in learning te reo Māori and I had four people respond!
From there I created a Māori language curriculum and Learn Māori Abroad was born! My first class was a group of 10 kiwis living in New York City who I taught virtually. Since then I have branched out to teach our traditional Māori dances and songs as well as offer Māori cultural classes! 5 years on, I am the number #1 source for “All Things Māori” in the USA! I have students who join my online classes from all over the world and I travel to different states to teaching and perform haka (our traditional war dance) and share Māori culture with others. I got to where I am today through consistency and hard work. I also know a big part of my success is because I filled a “need” in the market – no one else in the US offers what I offer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes, for the most part, it has been smooth! The main struggle that I have had as I expand my business is not being able to find qualified teachers to teach the language. I have had to train a couple of my students to become teachers of our beginner level Māori language courses and I teach the more advanced level courses. Even in New Zealand, there is a Māori language teacher shortage. I am always looking for the right people to join me in sharing Māori language and culture with the world!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I teach Māori language, culture and performing arts (haka and poi) to learners living in the US and globally.
What do you specialize in?
Māori culture, language and performing arts.
What are you known for?
My work in Māori culture.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud to be the #1 organization revitalizing te reo Māori (the Māori language) amongst learners living outside of Aotearoa New Zealand.
What sets you apart from others?
I’m the only Māori person sharing the language, culture and performing arts here in the USA. I was born and grew up in Aotearoa, New Zealand. I am Māori – my tribes are Ngāpuhi, Ngātiwai and Ngāti Awa. Because I am Māori, from Aotearoa New Zealand (born and raised), there is a deep level of authenticity that comes with what I offer.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My grandmother and many others in her generation were beaten for speaking Māori at school. As a result, a whole generation of Māori grew up not knowing how to speak our language. This and many other impacts of colonization (land loss, culture loss, etc) impact Māori today. Therefore, learning te reo Māori, the Māori language and being a part of the revitalization of the language enables Māori to reclaim and reconnect to our identity and culture. It also allows us to share a cultural worldview with others that is distinct from Western culture. I truly believe that learning about an indigenous culture has the power to change the world! The power lies in the changing of thinking that occurs when someone is learning; a shift from a Western cultural mindset to an indigenous mindset, which creates a whole new outlook on the world and therefore, the possibility of change for the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.learnmaoriabroad.com
- Instagram: @learnmaoriabroad
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/learnmaoriabroad
- Twitter: @tereokiteao
- Youtube: @learnmaoriabroad
