We are the ocean and we must save ourselves | Hinano Murphy | TEDxBoston
The people of Oceania have a deep spiritual and physical connection to the ocean, steeped in the cultural significance of the living ocean as family. This perspective has kept generations of indigenous island peoples in balance with the natural world for centuries. The impact of climate change and the looming threat of deep-sea mining is an existential threat to these sacred marine ecosystems. Advocating for the integration of indigenous knowledge and practices can turn the tides. An example is the traditional Rahui system, a resource management practice that sets aside areas to allow for ecosystem recovery, a highly effective way to protect biodiversity and create community cohesion. This urgent call for global unity among indigenous communities and other experts invites us to work together to preserve the ocean. The demise of the ocean would be our own. Hinano Murphy is a widely recognized expert in Tahitian cultural history. She grew up on Moorea and Tahiti learning oral traditions from her elders. She worked in education as a school teacher and later in her career she served as a technical advisor to the government, developing Tahitian language/culture programs for the schools. She then became the associate Director of the UC Berkeley Gump Research Station and the President of the cultural organization Te Pu Atitia, where she founded the Atitia Cultural Center on Moorea. Most recently she is serving as the Cultural Director for Tetiaroa Society and the head of the Cultural Committee that advises on all cultural matters in Tetiaroa. Hinano is involved in many Polynesian cultural and conservation initiatives and among other commitments has talked about the Polynesian connection to the ocean at the 2019 World Oceans Day at the United Nations, and more recently at the IMPAC5 Congress in Vancouver. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 9:15Hating Yourself, That's the Easy Part | Grace Zeidan | TEDxNibras Intl School YouthIn this inspiring TEDxYouth talk, Grace Zeidan opens up about her journey toward embracing self-love in a world that often demands perfection. With honesty and heart, she explores the struggles many young people face with self-worth, confidence, and acceptance. Grace shares how practicing self-love can be a radical act of healing—and why it’s essential for leading a fulfilled and empowered life. Her message is a reminder to every viewer: you are enough, just as you are. Grace Zeidan, a cordial student with a vibrant character, dreams of blooming flowers of joy in the hearts she encounters on a day-to-day. Still, she has her sights set high with a fierce passion for education and reading. She’s had aspirations of becoming a lawyer since the age of 12 and has enveloped herself in the world of debate ever since. Grace has a deep rooted belief that life is only as happy as you choose to see it and with that, she steers on an exciting path to bring her dreams from the clouds into reality. Hoping to leave a lasting legacy in the field of law, she puts her all into achieving greatness and soon enough, she’ll most definitely get there. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:43Languages and Our Identity | Zenica Lin Lei Yee Mon | TEDxInternationalSchoolofMyanmarZenica’s talk will explore the rich linguistic diversity of Myanmar, examining how language serves as both a cultural identity and a bridge between communities. She will explore the distinct ways in which various ethnic groups communicate, highlighting the historical influences that have shaped Myanmar’s languages over time. From ancient scripts to modern dialects, she will uncover the evolution of linguistic traditions, illustrating how language reflects the country’s dynamic history and social transformations. Zenica will shed light on the intricacies of multilingualism in Myanmar and its significance in shaping national and regional identities. Ms. Zenica is a passionate student at the International School of Myanmar, with a love for reading, debating, and public speaking. From the moment she discovered the world of debates and speeches, she was captivated by the art of communication. Driven by a desire for continuous improvement, Zenica is committed to refining her skills and seeking new opportunities to excel. Her dedication and enthusiasm fuel her determination to grow and make a lasting impact in the field of debating and public speaking. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx