Death. Separation. Slavery. Identity.
Culture.Warfare. Peace. Ancestors.
- The Moriori population decreased 40%.
- Only 101 Moriori people survived the Genocide.
- In the 1850s Moriori elders tried tried to convince the New Zealand government to recognize that their people were indigenous to the Chatham Islands.
- 300 Moriori men, women, and children were enslaved by the Maori people.
- 1,561 people died after being released from slavery between 1835 and 1863.
- In 1863 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed saying that the enslaved Moriori should be released.
- By 1875 the majority of the survivors escaped the Chatham Islands.
- More than 21,000 were killed during warfare.
- 120,000 people died during the Genocide.
- The Chief of the Moriori and influential Moriori figures continued to try to promote a peaceful way to end the Genocide. The Moriori continued to obey the Nununka's Law which was around for 24 generations prior to the Genocide.
- 1990s: People with Moriori roots start to rebuild their culture- New Zealand finally identified the Moriori as the indigenous people of the Chatham Islands.
- January 2005: Moriori established a cultural center in the Chatham Islands and brought back the native language.
- 2006 census: 945 people identified as Moriori descent.
Today
- The 945 people that identify with Moriori descent are faced with denial of numerous Maori academic figures. Individuals such as Professor Opai who is a "modern" Maori continues to deny the extent of the Genocide.
- Students in New Zealand are learning about the events of the Genocide and the survivors/victims are still remembered today and honored.