Journal

Journal of Research in Childhood Education: Leadership for Sustaining Cultural Identities: Pacific Ways of Knowing, Being, and Doing in ECE

---

This article explores the integration of Pacific ways of knowing, being, and doing into leadership in early childhood education (ECE) in Aotearoa New Zealand to sustain Pacific children's cultural identities. Current leadership models in education reflect dominant systems that do not fully recognize the diverse contributions, needs, and priorities of Pacific communities. By foregrounding collective and holistic approaches linked to identity rather than individual performance, this research article supports the shift toward culturally sustaining leadership. Using a qualitative methodology and the Pacific concepts of relationality and teu le va (Samoan: nurturing the relational space), the research study engaged 15 leaders and teachers from five ECE centers in talanoa (open talk) to explore leadership understandings, values, and practices that contribute to Pacific children's success. Findings suggest that effective leadership for Pacific children in ECE prioritizes a focus on affirming relational connections and promoting cultural identity as a strong foundation for their educational success. The article argues for ECE leaders of Pacific children in Aotearoa to embrace Pacific perspectives alongside Western perspectives in creating an environment that is culturally responsive and Sustaining, ensuring Pacific children's early education is grounded in knowledge about and appreciation for their cultures, languages, and heritages.

---

Availability

No copy data

Detail Information

Series Title

-

Call Number

-

Publisher

: ., c2025

Collation

Vol.39, No.2, p.317-330

Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

0256-8543

Classification

NONE

Content Type

-

Media Type

-

Carrier Type

-

Edition

-

Subject(s)

Leadership
Early childhood education
Cultural identity
Pacific relationality

Specific Detail Info

-

Statement of Responsibility

-

Other version/related

File Attachment

Comments

---

You must be logged in to post a comment