We are delighted to host Hinano and Frank Murphy from French Polynesia. Together, they have worked on DSM from the indigenous perspective, and have expanded their work to include a discussion of traditional and western scientific knowledge. They will address the disconnection of humans from nature and the fact that many indigenous people have not lost the connection and are fighting for the protection of the ocean from this destructive practice.
Hinano Murphy is a widely recognized expert in Tahitian cultural history. She grew up on Moorea and Tahiti learning oral traditions from her elders. She worked in education as a school teacher and later in her career she served as a technical advisor to the government, developing Tahitian language/culture programs for the schools. She then became the associate Director of the UC Berkeley Gump Research Station and the President of the cultural organization Te Pu Atitia, where she founded the Atitia Cultural Center on Moorea. Most recently, she is serving as the Cultural Director for Tetiaroa Society and the head of the Cultural Committee that advises on all cultural matters in Tetiaroa. Hinano is involved in many Polynesian cultural and conservation initiatives and among other commitments advised Disney on their Moana film, opened the 2019 World Oceans Day at the United Nations, gave a keynote speech at the IMPAC5 Congress in Vancouver in 2022, and spoke at the WILD12 Congress in 2024.
Frank Murphy completed BAs in Biology and Environmental Studies at UC Santa Cruz, and an MA in Geography from UC Berkeley working on Holocene sea level indicators in French Polynesia. He has been Manager and Associate Director of the UC Berkeley Gump Research Station, and owner of an adventure travel company. He is now the Director of Programs for the Tetiaroa Society, which facilitates scientific research, and carries out conservation programs, natural and cultural history tours, and educational programs on the private island of Tetiaroa. In his role with Tetiaroa Society, Frank is now also involved in bringing attention to the traditional knowledge of indigenous Pacific Islanders for the protection of the ocean.
DIVE IN with Liz and Sylvia is a casual, free-flowing, and educational conversation and encourages ocean and nature enthusiasts of all ages to join. Sylvia, Liz, Hinano, and Frank will take questions via Q & A from the attendees.
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Presented by Ocean Elders
Register for the event here.