Hi! I'm Keke Singer, an enrolled tribal member of the Umatilla tribe in eastern Oregon. I am now a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies. This is my first time leaving the states, and I am excited to share my journey and new experiences with y'all!
I chose the NAIS Otago Student Exchange to engage and learn about the Indigenous Māori here in New Zealand. As an Indigenous student, I want to share my culture and traditions and learn from more Indigenous communities.
To prepare for my trip to New Zealand in relation to my identities, I needed to be aware of my new surroundings and prepare for culture shock. A whole new country means adapting to a new community and place. Leaving my small reservation to a new country is a big change, so I looked into the Indigenous Māori and culture to find community at the University of Otago. There are many clubs and organizations open for Indigenous and international students. Also, it's very important that I had looked up the time zone change and how to beat the jet lag, as we are 19 hours ahead of Eugene!
Getting off the plane, I was very sleep deprived but was able to travel with a friend (who is also from the UO) to navigate the airports and shuttles. The first thing we did once we landed in New Zealand was go through declaration. As a native, I have brought my eagle feather, shells, sage, sweetgrass, and beads, so I had a bit to declare and go through scanning. Then, we exchanged currency to have a little cash on hand, just in case. We then went to check in with our host university flat accommodations to get our keys. The first challenge I had to tackle was to get a One New Zealand phone plan and traveler forms for my bank, so I can have cell service and use my card internationally.
Dunedin is so green and rainy like Oregon. It's very clean, and I feel safer here, too. I can already see myself going on some hikes! I'm very happy to experience my first week here before our classes start. I can't wait to share more of my journey! Qayciyawyaw!
Keke Singer, Diverse Ducks Ambassador