Project Grants

This project, founded on the adage that we are a product of our environment, seeks to unlock the power of indigenous ways of knowing and interacting with the environment for heart health equity. First, our heart health and approach to its prevention and management reflects the dominant cultural context, dominated as it is by western values, knowledge and systems. These world views regard people and their health as autonomous individuals who are independent from the wider environment. Second, in contrast, according to Te Ao Māori, we are literally of the environment – yet we behave as though we are not. The consequences of this disregard for the environmental underpinnings of heart health have been devastating for Māori and Pacific peoples and will be for future generations. This proposed IRM will therefore, draw on the strength of a range of knowledges - social theory, Te Ao Māori (via Tiwaiwaka) and physiology (homeostasis and adaptation) to investigate how best to intervene in ways that prevent the perpetuation of cardiotoxic environments and thereby improve the prospects for future intergenerational heart health equity.

Findings

The interdisciplinary research team identified categories that affect heart health and shape the heart-health environment for current and future generations (eg, nutritional factors, environmental factors, treatment, education, technological and structural factors). The western emphasis is overwhelmingly on medical and biological factors and treatment and is disconnected from nature. In contrast, Te Ao Māori emphasises whenua and mauri, connection to whenua and whānau, living a full life but accepting its limits, and with clear concern for future generations and non-human life. 

The researchers made several recommendations to address their findings including resource allocation: 

• placing an emphasis on intergenerational heart health in new research
• researchers and clinicians acting as a powerful voice in acknowledging the nature and gravity of the current heart health environment and its generational inequity
• honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi in our motu and promote Indigenous rights internationally
• adopting and promoting tangible, well-evidenced, co-beneficial strategies for inter-generational heart health such as the prioritisation of Mediterranean diets and active transport. 

This research team has been encouraged to discuss their outcomes with the leaders of our currently funded Integrated Resesarch Modules to explore the potential synergy with intergenerational heart healthcare and dietary interventions.