This term we explored colonisation around the world and learned that:
- Colonisation was a global movement that affected many countries and cultures.
- Different countries became colonisers and colonised peoples at different times in history.
- Colonisers often had similar reasons for taking control of land and people, and they used similar methods to enforce their power.
- People responded to colonisation in many different ways, including resistance, adaptation, and survival.
- Around the world, people are still recovering from and repairing the harm caused by colonisation.
Reflection on Ghandi:
Watching Gandhi helped me understand how people can respond to unfair treatment and oppression with courage and determination. The movie made me think about how important family, friends, and kindness are. It showed that people can face many challenges in life, but with support from others they can stay strong and keep going.
I liked how the characters grew throughout the story, and I learned important lessons from their experiences. They showed resilience through caring for others and standing up for what they believed in. Gandhi’s peaceful resistance showed one way people responded to the effects of colonisation and injustice. I found this message both important and inspiring.
Reflection on “Lost Children of Aotearoa”:
The documentary Stolen Children of Aotearoa explored how child welfare services, including Oranga Tamariki, removed Māori children from their families in ways that were often harmful and traumatic. Many children were taken when authorities judged their families as unsuitable, and some were removed without clear reasons. These actions had lifelong effects on both the children and their whānau.
Many of the children were placed with other families or in care facilities where some experienced abuse and neglect. The documentary shared these stories to seek acknowledgement and an apology from the government for what survivors describe as systemic abuse throughout New Zealand.
This documentary connected strongly to our learning about colonisation because it showed how the effects of colonial systems can continue long after colonisation itself. It highlighted the lasting harm caused when people lose connections to their culture, identity, and family. Although the stories were heartbreaking, they also showed incredible resilience. The survivors not only lived through these experiences but found the strength to share their stories and speak up for change.
My overall learning for Unit 1:
This unit helped me understand that colonisation has affected people all around the world in similar ways. Whether in India, Aotearoa New Zealand, or other countries, colonisation often involved powerful groups controlling others and taking away rights, land, culture, and identity. However, people responded in different ways, showing courage, resilience, and determination.
Through studying Gandhi and Stolen Children of Aotearoa, I learned that the effects of colonisation can last for generations. I also learned that healing and recovery are ongoing processes, and that understanding these histories is important for creating a fairer and more respectful future.