Huhana Margaret Smith’s scientific contributions

... An increased engagement with collections, in which staff are given the opportunity to explore and explain collections in their own terms, will help promote the library or museum as a driver of real inclusivity. Acknowledging the damage done by colonialism and encouraging staff to tell their own stories, enabling them to re-forge the links to their own culture, thus, renewing or revitalising that culture or community through participation and mutual benefit, not only demonstrates respect for different cultural views, but celebrates them (Smith 2009). Rather than being cast as bastions of colonialism that will become ever more irrelevant in an increasingly globalised world, heritage institutions can be at the heart of real social change, as drivers of genuine and positive inclusivity that benefit all of society. ...

Reference:

Kaitiakitanga: Utilising Māori Holistic Conservation in Heritage Institutions