Lalanga Mo'ui: Weaving Wellbeing

The purpose of this project is to better understand the therapeutic role of indigenous arts and crafts for supporting wellbeing and identity for Pacific students. Working under the supervision of A/P Mele Taumoepeau, you will synthesise current research findings of the therapeutic effects of indigenous arts and crafts on Pacific understanding of wellbeing and identity, and indigenous wellbeing more generally. You will interview four knowledge holders of indigenous arts and crafts practices to conceptualise in more detail the links between wellbeing and cultural art and craft practices. The end goal is to propose an intervention programme that will support counselling practices based on constructs of Pacific wellbeing, modernised and developed for young Pacific learners in University settings.