These are the words that Hobson purportedly spoke to each Chief on the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. I wonder what these words meant to him back then, and to those around him. Now, in the 21st Century we are still struggling to agree on a meaning and how far we have come (and in some observer's opinions receeded again) in achieving the goal. Personally, I wish that we could truly celebrate Waitangi Day as a national day and celebrate our uniqueness and unity (although I struggle, as do many, with finding a fixed picture of exactly what our 'oneness' should look like).
In terms of what the Library has to offer for Waitangi Day, today's Top 5 for Friday starts with the children and highlights the Treaty in many different formats.
- The Treaty House by LeAnne Orams (illustrated by Roger Twiname). Journey with Olley as he learns not only is the Treaty house special, but so are the events that have happened in and around it, events that have shaped New Zealand to become the nation Olley is part of today. Suggested level: junior, primary. This picture book is a little wordy for a storytime session with a big group, but is a great title to sit down with your children and introduce them to our history.
- Mission girl : the writings of Atapo, Paihia, c.1840 by Fleur Beale. Originally published as: A new song in the land. 2004. (My story series). Atapo, a young Māori girl, tells her story, from her capture and slavery as a young child through to her escape to the mission house in the Bay of Islands as a 14-year-old. Here she learns the new ways and language that means she is present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Although born into an important family her capture has meant she has lost her standing in her tribe, but she hopes the new skills she has acquired will mean she can return home with her head held high. Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary. I love the My story series as they delve into our history in diary form but from the point of view of the children who witnessed the events.
- Canvassing the Treaty [DVD videorecording] : six New Zealand artists explore our history and create shared visions for our future / directed by Jane Reeves ; produced by Kay Ellmers. The documentary is about a group of artists (Maori and non-Maori) exploring the Treaty. Three pairs of artists of various cultural backgrounds and artistic styles are challenged to create collaborative artworks in response to the Treaty of Waitangi. Guiding them are Ngāpuhi kaumatua Kingi Taurua and treaty educators, Moana Jackson and Ingrid Huygens ... With stunning locations, eclectic artistic visions and provocative discussion, Canvassing the Treaty offers a fresh look at the legacy of the Treaty of Waitangi, through artists' eyes. I haven't seen this but when I was looking for an artists perspective of the Treaty it appealed, not only from an artistic point of view but also because of the collaborative nature and future visions. It will be going onto my viewing list.
- An illustrated history of the Treaty of Waitangi / Claudia Orange. This account begins before the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and tells the story to the present day. This edition covers the challenges and settlements of the last decade of the 20th century, and includes photographs, paintings and drawings - including copies of the treaties themselves. This is just one of the many non-fiction books on our shelves dealing with the Treaty of Waitangi. I have to confess to a slight bias in including it on today's Top 5 as apparently the author is a cousin of mine (several times removed). I was unaware of this fact during my study at Auckland University. But my mother has the magic power to produce a relative for me wherever in the country I may be so VOILA! Which just goes to show what a small country this actually is.
- Digital Resources Combined Database Search. Our digital library of electronic databases has a wealth of information at your fingertips if you can't physically make it into the library. The most up to date news articles and editorials from around the country as well as historic pieces such as the 1934 celebrations. You need to play with this to find exactly what you are looking for but there are some very interesting looking titles, especially looking at New Zealand from an international perspective if you do a Combined search using the History databases.
So that's my top 5 for Friday. Have an awesome Waitangi Weekend everyone. I am hoping to get together with some librarian friends and we are going to hit the Auckland Museum, something I have been keen to do for a long time. I'm sure it will give me inspiration for more blogs next week. Ka kite
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