Backbencher

In lecture one, titled Native Peoples: Aborigine and Maori, Dr. Isern introduced Aboriginal origins, impact on nature, their world and how they have acclimated to European arrival to Australia. He also introduced the origins of the Maori peoples of New Zealand, their culture and society, and the introduction of European settlers to their island. With background information on Aborigines in Australia, it is evident that they played a major role in shaping the landscape of Australia not only by their fire stick farming but also eliminating the mega fauna. Upon receiving European settlers in Australia, they claimed that no one had ownership of the land which was actually occupied by the Aborigines. The Aboriginal lineage came from Dreamtime, a place that has no time or space. For the Maori peoples of New Zealand, when British settlers approached the shores, they were greeted with a challenge dance. However, the relationship with the Maori, though a more aggressive group, seemed to take. Maori would learn about goods and ways of living from the British and make it their own. Maori also knew they lineage more extensively then the Aborigines. They could recite their line of ancestors to those that first came to New Zealand. The history of expansion of both islands coincides with American expansion in the west. Aborigines and Maori both put up fights against the British to protect their lands and traditions around the same time that America was forcibly taking lands for their Native Americans. One difference between the time since expansion for the Maori of New Zealand and the Native Americans is that Maori embrace their traditions that have been introduced to the non-Maori New Zealanders whereas in America there are currently members of various tribes who do not wish to allow their traditions in with Euro-American culture. My only confusion is on Aborigine and Maori traditions in their culture. I understand what was introduced, my only wish is learn more on their cultural history and compare it with how they understand themselves today.