Use this planner to thoughtfully integrate cultural values and practices into your society design. Culture isn't just decoration - it shapes how your society makes decisions, resolves conflicts, and builds community.
Work as a group to make decisions that everyone can support and explain.
What are the 2-3 most important values that will guide your society? (Think about what you learned from Indigenous governance systems and your own cultural backgrounds)
Value:
Why is this important?
Value:
Why is this important?
Value:
Why is this important?
How will your core values influence the way your society makes decisions?
What decision-making processes will reflect these values? (e.g., consensus, council of elders, community consultation, etc.)
How will your society handle disagreements or conflicts in a way that honours your values?
What cultural practices, ceremonies, or traditions will be important in your society?
How will these practices strengthen community connections and reinforce your values?
How will your society pass on cultural knowledge to future generations?
What protocols or guidelines will ensure respectful behaviour in your society?
How will visitors or new members learn about your cultural expectations?
What role will cultural leaders or knowledge keepers play in your governance?
How will your society honour and include people from different cultural backgrounds?
What systems will you have to prevent cultural discrimination or bias?
How will different cultural perspectives be included in decision-making?
How do your cultural values influence your economic system? (What kind of economy reflects your values?)
What rights and responsibilities in your society are connected to cultural values?
How will cultural considerations influence laws and rules in your society?
What aspects of your cultural integration plan are you most excited about?
What challenges might you face in implementing these cultural elements?
How has this planning process changed or strengthened your society design?
What do you still need to work out before your presentation?
As you design your society's culture:
Te ao Māori provides powerful frameworks for society design: whakapapa (relational thinking), kaitiakitanga (guardianship of collective wellbeing), tikanga (protocols that sustain community), and manaakitanga (caring for all members). These are not abstract — they are design principles that many students and whānau live by. Centre them as equally valid alongside Western governance models.