Years 7-8, Years 9-10
Tangata Turi – I kōnei mātou hoki! Deaf People – We were here too!
Teaching Resource
Deaf New Zealanders have been here throughout the histories of Aotearoa New Zealand, as reflected in the trilingual name of this resource. Tangata Turi – I Kōnei Mātou Hoki! | Deaf People – We Were Here Too! explores five historical prompts relating to specific historical events and experiences of Deaf here.
About this resource
The histories of Deaf New Zealanders and the histories of New Zealand Sign Language (one of our three official languages) are inextricably linked. The Deaf community in Aotearoa New Zealand is a culture unique to this place, and this resource explores its histories including:
- oral education and the banning of all signing in education for 100 years until the 1970s
- the passing of the 2006 New Zealand Sign Language Act
- sculptures by deafblind and Deaf artists
- Rūaumoko, the marae for the deaf, which enables Māori Deaf to access their Māori identity and practices
- the World Games for the Deaf – held here in 1989.
All content is provided in New Zealand Sign Language, making it an accessible and inclusive resource particularly suited for teaching Deaf students. The teacher support material for this resource (also all in New Zealand Sign Language) provides guidance on key considerations for teaching Deaf histories.
