May 31, 2006

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States express pride in their country's Native American heritage, according to a poll by Roy Morgan International. 70 per cent of respondents believe indigenous culture is an essential component of American society.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States express pride in their country's Native American heritage, according to a poll by Roy Morgan International. 70 per cent of respondents believe indigenous culture is an essential component of American society.

Australia was next on the list of the three nations surveyed with 69 per cent, followed by New Zealand with 58 per cent. The percentage of Australian respondents who acknowledged the contribution of Aboriginal culture increased by five points since 2000, while in New Zealand, the number of respondents who endorsed Maori culture went up by nine points.

Approximately 15 per cent of New Zealand's population is of Maori origin. In Australia and New Zealand, Aboriginal peoples and Native Americans account for roughly two per cent and one per cent of the total population respectively.

In 2003, a Court of Appeal decision allowed the Maori Land Court the possibility of establishing a customary title to New Zealand's foreshore and seabed. In April 2004, prime minister Helen Clark introduced legislation that vests ownership of the country's foreshore and seabed to the Crown. Cabinet minister Tariana Turia resigned from Parliament after disagreeing with the government's position and became a representative of the Maori Party.

In December 2004, the Australian federal government agreed to install fuel tanks and pumps in the Western Australia community of Mulan. In return, the area's Aboriginal children must continue to attend to a series of health issues—in order to prevent eye disease and skin infections—and avoid addictions.

Polling Data

Please say whether you agree or disagree with the following statement:

Australia: "Aboriginal culture is an essential component of Australian society."
U.S.: "Native American culture is an essential component of American society."
New Zealand: "Maori culture is an essential component of New Zealand society."

("Agree" listed)

	2006/2005	2000
United States	70%	68%
Australia	69%	64%
New Zealand	58%	49%

Source: Roy Morgan International
Methodology: Interviews with 55,436 people aged 14 and over in Australia, conducted between April 2005 and March 2006. Interviews with 12,317 people aged 14 and over in New Zealand, conducted between February 2005 and January 2006. Interviews with 3,970 people aged 14 and over in the United States, conducted between December 2004 and November 2005.