Reconnecting with Homeland and Identity

The Te Uruwaat act recognized a rainforest in New Zealand as a legal entity, aiming to rectify the historical injustices suffered by the Tuhui tribe who were forcefully dispossessed of their land during colonization. For the Tuhui, Te Uruwaat represents their ancestor, and the act seeks to restore their sense of belonging, identity, and connection to the land. The settlement negotiated with the New Zealand government aimed to return the entire homeland of the Tuhui tribe, which had been confiscated for over a century, in a process that is still ongoing for the tribe. Rather than focusing on rights, the Tuhui view their relationship with the land as one of responsibilities and obligations, recognizing their place in nature and their duty to live in harmony with the land.