This book opens new pathways for decolonial autoethnography, presented as a series of reflective stories that showcase how Maori have negotiated and navigated their personal and professional identities within contemporary society. Framed within the academic methodology of Indigenous Autoethnography, authors recount their personal and professional experiences to address their encounters with cultural trauma and personal enlightenment. As a culturally responsive methodology, Indigenous Autoethnography embraces reflective practice and critical awakening to validate Indigenous knowledge, ensuring that it remains meaningful and responsive to the needs of Maori. Utilising metaphorical storytelling as a primary means of sensemaking, this work reinforces the importance of Maori and other Indigenous People to seek wisdom from the past to guide them into the future. With Indigenous knowledge historically ignored and misrepresented in higher education, this seminal text provides invaluable guidance for global Indigenous researchers seeking to produce story work that genuinely encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Kelli Te Maiharoa (Waitaha, Ngati Rarua atiawa, Taranaki, Ngati Maniapoto) is the Kaihautu: Te Kahui Whetu / Capable Maori at Te Pukenga ki Otago, working with cohorts of Maori undergraduate learners and mentors on the doctoral programme. Her research areas include Indigenous methodologies, autoethnography, peace traditions and decolonization. Adrian Woodhouse (Kai Tahu) is the Head of Programmes at the Food Design Institute, Te Pukenga ki Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Adrian's research explores the explicit and implicit institutional systems and structures of society and their influence on kai (food), power and identity formation.