Whakapapa: Our Māori Family Connections
He aha te whakapapa? Understanding our family tree Year 5 Social Studies
He aha te whakapapa? (What is whakapapa?)
Whakapapa means 'family tree' or 'genealogy' It shows how we are connected to our whānau (family) It tells the story of where we come from Every person has their own special whakapapa
Whakapapa Connections
{"left":"Our tīpuna (ancestors) who came before us\nOur mātua (parents) and whānau (family)\nOur tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren)","right":"Our iwi (tribe) and hapū (sub-tribe)\nOur whenua (land) and whakatōhea (environment)\nOur whakapapa connects us to all living things"}
Create Your Own Whakapapa
Draw your family tree starting with yourself Add your parents, grandparents, and siblings Include special whānau members like aunties and uncles Think about the stories that connect your family Share one special thing about your whānau
Whakataukī (Māori Proverb)
'He aha te mea nui o te taiao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!' 'What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people!'
Why is Whakapapa Important?
Helps us understand who we are and where we belong Connects us to our tīpuna (ancestors) and their wisdom Teaches us about our responsibilities to whānau Shows us that we are never alone - we are part of something bigger Helps preserve Māori culture and stories for future generations