1. The History & People of Oceania
Lesson 2

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

3. 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

4. The Europeans 1500s- explorers began sailing through Oceania
1600s- they began colonizing
Often violent conflicts broke out between natives and Europeans
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

5. 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

6. 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
Polynesian, Chinese, & European- 16% of population

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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