Research and discover

1)      Find out about the Maoris in New Zealand. Who are they and how is their situation in New Zealand today?

The Maoris are the native people of New Zealand. They came from eastern Polynesia around 950, 1150 and 1350. They are now equal with the rest of the population in New Zealand.

2)      Compare the history of Australian Aborigines and New Zealand Maoris.

The meeting with the colonists were more peacefully and non-violent than in Australia. They had right similar to the whit population and they were allowed to vote.

3)      These two groups have had quite different experiences. Can you think of possible reasons for this?

They were not invaded in the same way that the Aborigines were and the whole conflict happened more peacefully and non-violent.  It happened much later in time, when the British did not have the same opportunities as when they invaded Australia.

Checkpoints

1)      The Aborigines were the first settlers on the Australian continent. Where did they come from?

The Aboriginals came from the Asian mainland, more than 40 000 to 50 000 years ago.

2)      The Aboriginal population was halved quite soon after the European arrival. What was the reason for this?

The first settlers brought unknown diseases to the new country, like smallpox, and this was the reason to why the population halved in few years.

3)      Aboriginal children were taken away from their homes for more than 100 years. How many children are believed to have experienced this?

There were approximately 100 000 children taken away from their homes and families between 1869 and 1970.

Viewpoint

4)      Why do you think Mr. Howard and Mr. Keating refused to make an official apology?

They refused to make an official apology because they did not want to acknowledge the mistakes and the suppressing they had committed.

5)      Can you think of any other group of people who have experienced something similar? Who are they and what did they experience?

The Sámi-people experienced suppressing behavior, and had very few rights. They were not allowed to use their own language, and many of their children were sent away to boarding schools.

The Indians were suppressed by the settlers, and were also sent to boarding schools.