Whale Rider is about a 12-year-old New Zealand Maori who would be hereditary chief - if she weren't a girl. This film is based on the book by Witi Ihimaera. The story raises issues that fans of indigenous culture like myself can't ignore.I'm a researcher of anthropology. I've written about native people in Canadian Ethnic Studies, Monday Magazine, The Dalhousie Review, Eclectica Literary Journal, Outdoor Canada and my new book. I teach at a university with many native students. Still, I've never suggested that indigenous culture must be preserved at all costs. This movie addresses why.
