THE TREATY WAS SIGNED IN 1840 - SO WHY IS IT STILL RELEVANT IN AOTEAROA TODAY? Understanding our past is essential in informing our future. In the early 1800s there was huge commercial interest in land and natural resources here, and therefore also a need to protect people and properties, offset potential foreign threats, and establish a peaceful nation. Aotearoa New Zealand was at the end of a long list of colonised lands by the British and there was mounting pressure that a fair and reasonable treaty should be established (Orange, 2020; Wright 2021). However, harsh realities in industrial Britain meant Aotearoa New Zealand was a sought-after refuge for thousands of new migrants wanting a better life. This in turn disrupted what was said to be a well-intended treaty that sought cultural freedoms and opportunities for fair trade. Within two decades of signing the Treaty, British culture and English language overpowered and marginalised Māori with wide-ranging and complex consequences (Warren et al., 2017). In ECE, we now have an important role to play in addressing the injustices and inequities experienced by Māori communities both in our past and still today. WHAT ARE THE TREATY ARTICLES AND WHY SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT THESE? First Article focused on what the British Crown was promised (English – sovereignty; Māori - kawanatanga/governorship). Second Article focused on what Māori were promised (English – possession; Māori - tino rangatiratanga/chiefly authority and selfdetermination …of all properties, resources and things of value). Third article focused on the assurance that Māori received the same rights and thereby the same advantages of the British people who were to call Aotearoa New Zealand their home. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is essentially an agreement to ensure that both parties attained their agreed-upon rights and promises and it is as binding today as it was in 1840. As teachers, we are Treaty partners representing the government established over 180 years ago. To authentically honour the Treaty agreement with its intended spirit, is both our responsibility and our privilege. WHAT ARE THE TREATY PRINCIPLES AND WHY DO WE NEED THEM? The Māori version conveyed a sharing of power, whereas the English version implied a transfer of power, essentially two differing versions. Therefore, to view the Treaty in good faith and to interpret it as a whole, Treaty principles (including partnership, active protection, participation, reciprocity, redress, and equity) have been established by recent governments and the Waitangi Tribunal to apply to past and continuing grievances and ongoing social and political issues, in order to restore the Treaty relationship (Orange, 2020). WHAT ARE SOME IMPORTANT WAYS THAT WE CAN EMBRACE A LIVING TREATY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION? ● Commit to Language Planning: Centre-wide initiatives, positively supported by leadership and progressed through planning and goal setting are required to revitalise te reo Māori. To shift positive aspirations into action, planning is crucial to engage more intentionally and support processes of review and evaluation. Use this link for language planning information, tools and templates. https://en.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/language-planning Opportunities include – Regularly planning and evaluating new kupu (words), rerenga kōrero (sentences, phrases), waiata (songs), pūrākau, pakiwaitara (legends, stories), labelling centre items in te reo Māori, and encouraging kōrero (speech, talk) naturally in the context of children’s play and conversations. ● Expand on Māori cultural knowledge: Value the people, resources, and professional development opportunities available to your team to learn about Māori cultural values, traditions and practices, and thoughtfully integrate increasing understandings throughout your centre policies, routines, rituals, and curriculum practices. Opportunities include – Learning about and adhering to tikanga Māori (cultural values, dispositions, practices) and Tātaiako competencies, recognising each child’s mana and wairua (uniqueness, sacredness, spirituality), authentically sharing karakia and pepeha (prayer-blessings, introductions), encouraging EMBRACING A LIVING TREATY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION BY TRISH THOMAS Te Tiriti o Waitangi has significant importance to our work in early childhood education as emphasised in Te Whāriki and Our Code, Our Standards. This brief article aims to provide some reminders about its evolving relevance in 2022 and our ongoing commitment to being a Treaty Partner in education. September 2022 { 16 }
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