Author(s): Robert Consedine; Joanna Consedine

NZ Non Fiction

An educational book for Pakeha about Pakeha identity, racism and the Treaty of Waitangi. This book was written as a result of the hugely popular Waitangi & Associates treaty workshops - two day seminars for Pakeha, to give them greater understanding of New Zealand cultural issues.Healing our History is divided into two sections: (1) The History and (2) The Healing. The first section examines aspects of global history in relation to indigenous people, New Zealand's colonial history and why we haven't learned this information at school. The second section explores the notion of valuing your own story and exploring some ways of healing our history. Also contained in the second section are stories from people who have been on the Treaty workshops. These accounts outline the experiences each person had as a result of confronting their own histories and locating them in the greater sphere of New Zealand culture - and how these experiences impacted on their personal and professional lives afterwards. Robert Consedine's company Waitangi Associates has, in the past 10 years, put 30,000 Pakeha New Zealanders through its unique and distinctive two-day intensive workshops. 'There have been many books adding fuel to the Treaty debate - this one adds light not heat.' North & South'A new book about the Treaty of Waitangi will offer many New Zealanders their first true understanding of the topic, says Prime Minister Helen Clark. ...The book impressed her for its passion. "What I loved about it was the strong sense of justice and values that burns through it." ' The Press'Reading Healing Our History will engage New Zealanders to explore their own position, draw their own conclusions and feel more confident about participating in Treaty debate.' Wanganui Midweek'There have been many books adding fuel to the Treaty debate - this one adds light not heat.' North & South'A new book about the Treaty of Waitangi will offer many New Zealanders their first true understanding of the topic, says Prime Minister Helen Clark. ...The book impressed her for its passion. "What I loved about it was the strong sense of justice and values that burns through it." ' The Press