Hekia Bodwitch

Ph.D Student

Research Description

Hekia is interested in the power dynamics between nation-states and indigenous peoples, specifically the way in which hegemonic powers are influenced by indigenous resistance movements today. She employs social theory to explore the impact of capitalist forces on those power relations within a neo-liberal state. New Zealand provides her research focus as she examines the Treaty of Waitangi grievance claims process as a forum for oppositional forces to organize and negotiate power. She aims for her work to provide useful information for academics and indigenous rights advocates regarding the conditions under which indigenous resistance movements are likely to succeed and the effectiveness of a treaty-based resistance movement as a tool for claiming rights. Hekia grew up in Skaneateles, a small town in central New York State. She attended Cornell University where she conducted nano-technology research as an undergraduate. Her dad is from Fulton, New York and her mom is from New Zealand. She feels very fortunate that her research takes her there.