Tohunga Suppression Act 1907

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Tohunga Suppression Act 1907 was a significant piece of legislation passed in New Zealand with the intention of suppressing the practices of tohunga, traditional Māori healers, whom the government at the time considered to be practicing forms of witchcraft or sorcery. This act is a pivotal example of the colonial impact on indigenous practices and the legislative efforts to control and assimilate indigenous cultures.

Background

The term tohunga refers to experts in Māori culture and society, who were considered to have both spiritual and practical expertise. They played crucial roles within their communities as healers, spiritual leaders, and educators. However, by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European settlers and the colonial government in New Zealand began to view the tohunga as a threat to the health and Christianity of Māori people, partly due to the tohunga's role in traditional healing practices which were misunderstood and often dismissed as quackery or witchcraft.

Legislation

The Tohunga Suppression Act was introduced by James Carroll, a member of the New Zealand Parliament of Irish and Ngāti Kahungunu descent, who was the Minister for Native Affairs at the time. The Act was passed in 1907 and aimed to prevent tohunga from practicing their traditional healing methods, which the Act labeled as "misleading and deceptive" practices. The legislation made it an offense for anyone to "assume or pretend to profess or practice the art or craft of a tohunga."

Impact

The Act had a profound impact on Māori society. It not only criminalized the practice of traditional Māori healing but also contributed to the erosion of Māori culture and knowledge systems. The suppression of tohunga under the Act led to a significant loss of traditional knowledge, as these practices were often passed down orally from one generation to the next. Furthermore, the Act drove the practice of traditional healing underground, making it difficult for Māori people to access traditional forms of healthcare and spiritual guidance.

Repeal and Legacy

The Tohunga Suppression Act was eventually repealed in 1962, reflecting a change in attitudes towards Māori culture and traditional practices. However, the legacy of the Act is still felt today, as the suppression of tohunga contributed to the broader colonial impact on Māori society, including the loss of language, customs, and traditional knowledge.

The Act is now often cited as an example of the detrimental effects of colonial policies on indigenous cultures and is a reminder of the importance of preserving and revitalizing indigenous practices and knowledge systems.

See Also

• Māori culture
• Colonialism in New Zealand
• Indigenous rights