Implementing a bicultural curriculum: Some Considerations

Since 1996 in Aotearoa/New Zealand, we have had a bicultural early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education, 1996). This document was developed with regard to the early childhood field’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi. This treaty, signed in 1840 by the British Crown and Maori chiefs, enabled the colonisation of this country. It also guaranteed to Maori their tino rangatiratanga, or self-determination, over their lands, resources, and cultural values. This paper focuses on issues related to preparing students to deliver on this bicultural commitment in early childhood centre practice.