The History & People of Oceania Lesson 2

Bellringer From where do you think most of the first inhabitants migrated?

Polynesian Migrations Wayfinding- a method of navigation that relies on careful observation of the natural world Humans charted ways across the open seas watching the sun, stars and the movement of ocean currents and swells Was practiced long before the invention of navigation instruments People still practice it today as a way to stay connected to the Earth and to keep cultural traditions alive Early inhabitants were settlers from Indonesia & the Philippines

The Europeans 1500s- explorers began sailing through Oceania 1600s- they began colonizing Often violent conflicts broke out between natives and Europeans 1800-1900-Christian missionaries began to come Why did Europeans want to Colonize Oceania? Location of islands made convenient stops for ships Gold & other precious metals Advantage of building military bases Some islands were used for the testing of nuclear bombs

Contemporary Times After WWII- many islands demand their independence Some independence movements involved conflict Many island able to negotiate freedom- “free association” Palau is independent republic, but associates with US US keeps a military base on one of its islands, Palau gets millions of dollars in aid each year from the US A Trust Territory A territory that has been placed under the governing authority of another country by the Trustee Council of the United Nations Marshall Islands- was a Trust Territory until 1986 Possession A territory occupied or controlled by another government and its people French Polynesia- controlled by France

The People of Oceania Oceania has one of the world’s most diverse populations Papua New Guinea Population of 6 million people Natives of Papua New Guinea – 84% of population Includes people from hundreds of tribal groups Each has own beliefs, language, lifestyles and cultural traditions Possibly 860 different languages spoken Pidgin A simplified language that is used for communication between people who speak different languages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7X9AAeDCr4 Polynesian, Chinese, & European- 16% of population

The Culture of Religion Oceania life is based on tradition Ceremonies include feast & dancing Practice artistic carving Tattooing Use story telling to retell history & keep track of family heritage

The Culture of Religion Samoa Fales: open structures made of wood poles with thatched roofs They have no walls Used mainly for shade and shelter from frequent rainfall

The Culture of Religion Oceania today is a mixture of modern & traditional beliefs Christianity widely practiced on the islands along with elements of traditional religions Many people wear western style clothing Traditional celebrations still practiced Hawaiian luau Traditionally ritual ceremonies and feast celebrating important events, such as victories Has become more modern in recent decades https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p3Zc2ijSDM