Tokelau Language Week: A time of reflection for Porirua’s Tokelauan Community

Updates / Community , 31 Oct 24

Tokelau Language Week 2024 has arrived, and the Atafu Tokelau Community Group (ATCG), based in Porirua, has shared their plans for the week and how recent events have reshaped their celebrations. Project Lead for ATCG, Zechariah Reuelu, explained that while they initially planned a series of activities, these were cancelled in light of a community member’s passing. Reuelu emphasised the importance of this moment, highlighting that in Pacific cultures, honouring the deceased is a deeply respected tradition and an integral part of cultural identity.

The Porirua Tokelau community will now come together to honour the departed at the funeral. Reuelu emphasises the importance of cultural values and respect for family.

“While language weeks are valuable opportunities for us to celebrate our culture and showcase who we are as a Tokelauan community, it’s important to understand that our commitment to culture happens year-round. That’s what truly matters.

“Due to a loss within our Tokelauan community here in Porirua, we’ve decided to cancel our language week events. And we’re okay with that. Our cultural values and respect for family take precedence above all else. I think it’s sacred to recognise this.”

Reuelu expressed the significance of funerals in Tokelauan culture, describing them as a form of cultural well-being.

"Funerals are deeply important to our culture,” he explained. “It’s our duty of care. Honouring our loved ones and embracing the grieving process is a therapeutic and authentic part of who we are.”

Despite this week's shift in focus, Reuelu took a moment to highlight recent achievements by ATCG, particularly their efforts to support local youth. Through their education program, ATCG successfully advocated for the Tokelau language to be certified as part of the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Youth attending ATCG’s after-school classes at their community hall can now earn NCEA Level 1 credits, contributing toward their university entrance.

“I’m proud to share that 40 of our youth participants have achieved credits, with many receiving Merit or Excellence,” Reuelu added.

Pasifika Futures Limited (PFL) celebrates the cultural authenticity and success demonstrated by ATCG. Reuelu expressed gratitude for this strong partnership.

“This relationship with Pasifika Futures is built on trust. It allows us to develop programs that achieve great outcomes for our community. Pasifika Futures gives us the space to use our Tokelauan cultural expertise to create what works best for our community. This mutual trust shapes our success.”

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