1. Cultures & Settlement in Australia and Oceania

2. Australian Aborigines  Australian Aborigines migrated at least 30,000 years ago.  Aborigines call the beginning of the world the "Dreaming," or "Dreamtime."  The oral tradition of storytelling tells of a vibrant cultural life. Songs illustrate the Dreamtime and other tales of the land, while dances and diagrams drawn in the sand accompany oral tales.  Aboriginal music is often recognizable for its most famous instrument, the didgeridoo.

3. British Colonize Australia  Great Britain established penal colonies in Australia  In 1788, around 780 British convicts landed at Botany Bay in New South Wales.  The British treated the Aborigines similar to Americas treatment of the Indians.

4. Maori Culture The Maori were the first people in New Zealand, about 1000 years ago. Before 1840, European whalers, sealers, & missionaries came to New Zealand. British treated the Maori much like the U.S. treated Native Americans. The Waitangi Tribunal was established to honor the Waitangi Treaty. The Tribunal has ruled on many claims brought by Maori. New Zealand is still heavily influenced by its colonial heritage, but it also has its own strong sense of identity.

5. Island Cultures  People first explored and settled the South Pacific islands from 1800BC until around 700AD  Spread from island to island on twin hulled canoes called Catamarans  Polynesian culture grew and developed from 700 until 1595  Most islands were colonies of other nations from 1595 until after World War II

6. Modern Cultures Australia and New Zealand are both very developed western style countries The islands of Oceania provide many exotic vacation spots for the world.