Tariana Turia PCTSD

Background Context

• Date: Speech delivered on August 29, 2000

• Speaker: Hon. Tariana Turia, Associate Minister for Maori Affairs

• Event: NZ Psychological Society Conference at Waikato University

• Inciting Event: Prime Minister's warning about Turia's comments on colonization and the Maori holocaust.

Personal Reflections

• Turia reflects on the nature of truth and the subjective experience of reality, highlighting her dependence on supportive whanau (family) during particularly challenging times in her political and personal life.

• She places significant emphasis on the importance of ancestral guidance, acknowledging that understanding her roots fortifies her identity and resilience against the pervasive challenges posed by colonization.

Key Themes in the Speech

• Colonization

  • Turia deeply probes into the multifaceted impact of colonization on Maori identity, acknowledging its disruption not only of social structures but also of cultural practices and beliefs that are essential to Maori life.

  • Despite significant weakening due to colonization, she recognizes the resilience and strength of whanau, hapu (sub-tribes), and iwi (tribes) as central sites of resistance against the forces of colonization.

  • She questions the differing emotional responses observed in society towards home invasions compared to the invasion of Maori homelands, pointing out a troubling societal double standard that underscores systemic neglect and marginalization.

• Identity Impact

  • Turia articulately connects her personal identity to her familial and tribal identity while emphasizing the complexities and challenges faced by Maori due to centuries of alienation, cultural dilution, and assimilation pressures inflicted by colonization.

  • She critiques the persistent and negative portrayals of Maori people in media and public discourse, linking these portrayals to the internalization of negative images imposed by colonizers that exacerbate feelings of shame and contribute to social issues within Maori communities.

• Psychological Implications

  • Call to Psychologists

    • Turia issues a powerful challenge to psychologists to consider their role and capacity in nurturing the Maori psyche, particularly in addressing the historical trauma rooted in colonization.

    • She draws thoughtful parallels between PTSD faced by various marginalized groups, such as Holocaust survivors and Vietnam veterans, and the complex trauma experienced by Maori attributable to colonization.

  • Historical Trauma

    • Through her speech, Turia establishes strong connections between historical trauma and contemporary issues, citing the work of educators and psychologists who link colonization's effects directly to ongoing societal violence and significant health disparities among Maori.

    • She highlights how systemic abuse, coupled with the internalization of negative stereotypes, has detrimental impacts on the mental health of Maori people.

    • Turia discusses the existence of cultural narratives and artistry (e.g., films like Once Were Warriors and books like The Bone People) that depict violence and struggle as endemic within Maori society, facilitating a deeper societal dialogue about these narratives.

• Contemporary Context

  • Turia refers to the cumulative trauma that has been passed down through generations, detailing how the repercussions of the Land Wars continue to manifest in present-day issues faced by Maori communities.

  • She highlights the urgent need for acknowledgment of the genocidal acts faced during these conflicts and advocates for reparations as part of the healing process, including the return of ancestral remains to their rightful tribal lands.

• Indicators of Post-Colonial Trauma

  • Turia identifies several signs of Post Colonial Traumatic Stress Disorder (PCTSD) that are impacting Maori communities today:

    • Poor self-image and self-belittling among individuals.

    • Alienation from tribal identity driven by land loss and cultural dislocation.

    • Generational trauma stemming from past abuses, affecting mental health and familial relationships.

    • Encounters with systemic racism and discrimination at multiple societal levels, affecting access to resources and opportunities.

• Call for Understanding

  • Cultural Awareness

    • Turia questions whether psychological training adequately prepares professionals to engage meaningfully with Maori spiritual concepts such as kai tiaki (spiritual guardianship).

    • She invites reflection on the differing worldviews between Maori and non-Maori perspectives, contrasting ideas like "I think, therefore I am" with Maori philosophy of identity which embodies the belief that "We are"—emphasizing collective identity and interconnectedness.

Conclusion

• In her powerful conclusion, Turia urges psychologists and mental health professionals to lead the dialogue on PCTSD and its implications for Maori communities, advocating for a deeper understanding of historical trauma and its ongoing impact on contemporary Maori identity and mental health.

• She calls for collaborative efforts to foster healing by acknowledging the past, validating the experiences of Maori, and working towards a more equitable future.