Occupational Justice—Colonial Business as Usual? Indigenous Observations From Aotearoa New Zealand: La justice occupationnelle : sous régime colonial comme d’habitude? Observations d’autochtones d'Aotearoa en Nouvelle-Zélande

Abstract

Background.

Western ideologies and systems of occupation and justice are implicated in the colonization of indigenous peoples worldwide. Yet, colonialism, racism, and privilege are minimally acknowledged and examined within occupational therapy and occupational science literature, as evidenced in uncritical development of notions of “occupational justice.”

Purpose.

First, to open a discussion of how and why theories and approaches to justice have developed as they have in Aotearoa New Zealand. Second, to further a burgeoning field of Indigenous perspectives and critiques of colonial theorizing within the profession, while highlighting local Indigenous justice frameworks including Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Matike Mai Aotearoa.

Key Issues.

Colonialism is minimally examined in occupational justice approaches and promotion.

Implications.

Honest examination of colonialism alongside Indigenous justice frameworks can advance critical praxes of decolonising occupation and re-connect occupation with justice and equity.