Indigenous Education and the Metaphysics of Presence

Carl Mika (Maori – Tuhourangi and Ngati Whanaunga) is a senior lecturer at the Te Whiringa School of Educational Leadership and Policy in the Faculty of Education, University of Waikato, New Zealand. He has a background in law practice, indigenous and Maori studies, and aspects of Western philosophy, including Heidegger’s work and German Romanticism. He publishes on indigenous colonial and counter-colonial methods, and philosophical research methods.

• 1. Introduction2. An Indigenous Philosophy of Worldedness3. Ako: A Maori Example of Worldedness4. An Indigenous Dialogue with Heidegger: The Consequences of Presence5. Presence, the Maori Student and Writer/Critic, and Ako: Novalis and Derrida6. Cause for Optimism?

'Indigenous Education and the Metaphysics of Presence articulates a fundamental challenge to western thought, namely, the deep implicancy (entanglement), which is the core of Indigenous Metaphysics. By collapsing the distinctions between the self, the idea, and the things of the world, Carl Mika beautifully and powerfully exposes the poverty of the mode of thinking that cannot but hold everything hostage to its deadly yearn for (self-)determination. This book is a mandatory reading for anyone interested in what becomes of thought and existence when contemplated beyond the limits of modern western philosophy.' - Denise Ferreira da Silva, Director, The Social Justice Institute (GRSJ), University of British Columbia, Canada'In centring Maori thought encompassing holism and the metaphysical, Mika clearly demonstrates that Indigenous ways of knowing and being are interconnected and relational, which fundamentally counters the colonial project of homogenization, assimilation, and genocide. In having a dual conversation between philosophy and education, he clearly articulates why the dominant Western perception of an object fundamentally continues to fail Indigenous students due to the inherent contradictions between Indigenous and Western thought, philosophy, and language. And, finally, in centring his Maori voice within Indigenous philosophy, Mika provides a counter-narrative to colonization. This book demonstrates the unique philosophical relationships as a Maori and the relationality and interconnectedness to other Indigenous voices and nations. It is a text that will engage, enlighten, and empower Indigenous thought and transform educational systems.' - Michelle Pidgeon, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University, Canada