Library Guides: Global Indigenous Understanding: Oceania

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The national Māori flag
Clicking on this image will take you to a website on the history of the Maori flag

Britannica Online

Oceania is made up of many indigenous peoples.

By clicking on the links you will be able to read about some of them.

Choose the level within Britannica to find the article that is just right for you!

Maori
The Maori are the first inhabitants of the islands that now make up New Zealand.
Micronesia
A republic in the western Pacific Ocean, the Federated States of Micronesia comprises more than 600 islands and islets in the Caroline Islands archipelago.
Polynesia
Polynesia is a large group of islands in the central Pacific Ocean. It is one of three divisions of the geographic region called Oceania.

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Indigenous peoples of Oceania

Henryhbk. (2009). A performance by the Kahurangi Maori Dance group. [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maori_dancers.jpg

A traditional Maori dance

West New Guinea (West Irian)

Here is a close-up view of Papuans of the mountain areas.

Nagata, Y., & United Nations. (1969). Micronesia. [Photograph].Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/un_photo/3311561835/ in/album-72157614476504440/

Villagers of Okau in Wely Municipality meet with Francisco LUKTUN (in white shirt), Magistrate of Weloy, and Francis DEFNGIN (left corner) (USA), Assistant Anthropologist of Yap District. The large doughnut-shaped stone money is a mark of village prestige.

Indigenous Understanding Oceania: Nonfiction Books and eBooks

You will often find information on indigenous peoples when you look at books on the countries in which they live. Use these books and eBooks to get your research started!

The Maori by Pamela Odijk
Call Number: 993.01 ODI
ISBN: 9780333477830
Publication Date: 1989
The story ofthe Maori people
The Melanesians by Pamela Odijk
Call Number: 993.004995 ODI
ISBN: 9780333477847
Publication Date: 1989
New Zealand by Jane Hinchey
Call Number: 919. 3 HIN
ISBN: 9781925630008
Publication Date: 2017
New Zealand is one of the least crowded countries in the world and is Australia’s closest neighbour. Find out what life is like in New Zealand. Discover New Zealand’s ethnic diversity and how people live, work and play. Meet some of the New Zealand’s most notable people and the events that shaped this fascinating country.
Pacific Islands : discover the country, culture and people by Jane Hinchey
Call Number: 990 HIN
ISBN: 9781925630039
Publication Date: 2017
The Pacific Islands are thousands of islands, and represent numerous diverse cultures and languages. Find out what life is like in various Pacific Island nations. Discover the ethnic diversity, and how people live, work and play. What is the difference between Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia? Learn about the governments, history, culture and landscapes of countries like: Fiji; Vanuatu; Nauru; Tonga and New Caledonia.
Papua New Guinea by Carmel Reilly
Call Number: 995.3 REI
ISBN: 9781442546981
Publication Date: 2010
Rhythm and dance : Polynesian culture by Rita Faelli, Australian Multicultural Foundation.
Call Number: 793.3 FAE
ISBN: 9781741641073
Publication Date: 2006
What's Great about Hawaii? (eBook) by Mary Meinking
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9781467784962
Publication Date: 2015-08-01
What's so great about Hawaii? Find out the top ten sites to see or things to do in the Aloha State! We'll explore Hawaii's popular beaches, whale-watching adventures, gorgeous parks, and unique history. The Hawaii by Map feature shows where you'll find all the places covered in the book. A special section provides quick state facts such as the state motto, capital, population, animals, foods, and more. Take a fun-filled tour of all there is to discover in Hawaii.

Indigenous Understanding Oceania: Fiction books!

Māui and other Māori legends : 8 classic tales of Aotearoa by Peter Gossage
Call Number: 398. 2 GOS
ISBN: 9780143309291
Publication Date: 2016
Peter Gossage's memorable retellings of Maori oral myths have captivated the children of New Zealand for generations. Their dramatic and distinctive illustrations with minimal yet evocative language form a powerful combination, and each has earned its place among the beloved classics of our literature. These are exciting, magical tales of adventure and intrigue.
Taniwha by Robyn Kahukiwa
Call Number: K (Book Nook Picture Book)
ISBN: 9780140505986
Publication Date: 1986
A little boy has made friends with the taniwha in his river, but no-one believes him. The taniwha takes the boy on a journey through time and myth where he meets some interesting characters, gathering the earth's treasures as he goes.