What can be inferred about how the Maori feel land they live on?

It's important to avoid generalizations about any cultural group. The Maori, like any population, have diverse views and perspectives. However, we can infer some insights about their relationship with land based on their cultural values and history:

Strong Connection to Land:

* Tīpuna (Ancestors): Maori believe their ancestors are buried in the land, creating a deep spiritual connection. This makes land sacred and not simply a resource.

* Whakapapa (Genealogy): Maori trace their lineage back to the land, seeing themselves as part of a continuous line connected to the environment.

* Tangata Whenua (People of the Land): The term itself signifies the Maori's inherent connection to the land as its original inhabitants.

Land as a Resource:

* Sustainability: Traditional Maori practices emphasized sustainable resource management, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things.

* Resource Stewardship: Maori were responsible for caring for the land for future generations.

Historical Context:

* Colonization and Loss of Land: The Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, which promised Maori land rights, was often violated, leading to displacement and land alienation.

* Land Claims and Activism: The ongoing struggle for land rights and recognition of ancestral claims reflects the importance of land to Maori identity.

Therefore, we can infer that the Maori hold a deep spiritual, cultural, and historical connection to the land they live on. This connection is reflected in their traditional values, beliefs, and ongoing struggles for land rights.

However, it's crucial to remember that these inferences are based on broader cultural understandings. Individual Maori perspectives and feelings towards land vary greatly, shaped by their personal experiences and circumstances.