Recognition of Indigenous Citizenship and Nationhood

Challenges for Educators in Aotearoa

Veronica Tawhai

Abstract

In Aotearoa (New Zealand), the nations that make up the Indigenous Māori population enjoy a limited form of recognition by the state, based on the Treaty of Waitangi signed between these nations and the British Crown in 1840. This recognition, however, falls far short of the relationship agreed to in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Indigenous language treaty texts), as well as other Indigenous rights instruments such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples (UNDRIP) and rights to self-determination. The current controversy in New Zealand regarding proposals for co-governance on certain national matters has, again, highlighted anxieties amongst New Zealand’s citizenry regarding Māori nationhood and citizenship and the need for education on these matters should we hope to continue to progress toward greater realization of Te Tiriti’s provisions. This article shares the findings of doctoral research, supported by the Center for World Indigenous Studies (CWIS), on issues to be addressed by educators in our efforts to conscientize Aotearoa’s citizenry on these matters.