'Once those people are gone, that knowledge is gone forever'

Academic Debi Futter-Puati says a new certificate programme aims to revitalise Cook Islands heritage.

She says indigenous knowledge holders are crucial to the creation of the Certificate in Cook Islands Studies at the University of the South Pacific (USP).

The university's Rarotonga campus director says the certificate offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant culture, history, arts, sciences, land tenure, and language of the Cook Islands.

In an interview with PMN Cook Islands host Susnation Seta, Futter-Puati discusses their ongoing journey to establish this programme.

”USP Cook Islands has been working for almost three years to develop and respond to the community's request that we develop some qualifications in Cook Islands studies, not just reo Kuki ‘Airani but to look more at Cook Islands culture and all of the variables that are within that,” she says.

With fewer Indigenous knowledge experts and strong community demand, the university commits to a three-year planning and designing process, ensuring diaspora communities can engage with these valuable opportunities.

Te Mana o Te Vaka is a project funded by the USP's Maritime Institute with contributions from New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade.

USP Rarotonga Campus Director Dr Debi Futter-Puati adressing students at an open day in Avarua. Photo/USP Facebook

The project will contribute to the Certificate in Cook Islands Studies that USP will launch in 2025.

‘’We had a meeting three years ago with all of our Cook Islands Indigenous knowledge experts, all of the heads of ministries, a lot of NGOs, and we were talking about the fact that we needed to find a way to be able to revitalise Indigenous Cook Islands knowledge, as well as protect and preserve that knowledge so that people can learn about these things because traditionally.’’

The university continues to accept enrolments, and among the applicants is Futter-Puati herself. As a mother and grandmother, her deep connection to Cook Islands culture highlights the importance of this course for her.

‘’My ultimate goal is that anyone who wants to learn about who they are as a Cook Islander, and even if you're not a Cook Islander like me, but married and the mother and the grandmother of Cook Islanders and you wanna learn about your family and culture.”

Dr. Debi Futter-Puati, Campus Director. Photo/ USP Cook Islands Facebook Page.

Having lived in the Cook Islands for 22 years, Futter-Puati decides to enrol in the certificate programme despite already holding a PhD.

“I'm enrolled in the certificate because I want to learn these things. After all, it's essential for me as a grandmother and a mother to know these things for my children and grandchildren.”

The course comprises six papers, spans three years, and is conveniently available online.

Watch Debi Futter-Puati’s full interview on PMN Cook Islands below.