As we celebrate Tokelau Language Week this year, the theme of “Tokelau, tāofi mau tau aganuku, ko tō pale tēnā” resonates deeply. Translating to “Tokelau, hold fast to your culture, that is your crown,” it’s a message of pride and resilience, encouraging every Tokelauan to embrace their unique heritage as a source of strength and identity.
Tokelau and Samoa share deep historical and cultural ties, as do their languages. Tokelauan has many familiar elements for Samoan speakers, creating a bridge of understanding between the two communities. For us at Pacific Enterprise People, this connection took on new meaning through our recent work with West Auckland’s only Tokelauan early childhood centre, Fetu Fa Tokelau Akoga Amata—now known as Peninsula Stars. Working alongside these dedicated educators and community leaders has enriched our understanding of Tokelau’s culture and history, highlighting both the beauty and strength of this small but resilient island nation.
Honouring Cultural Journeys with Peninsula Stars
This year, Peninsula Stars joined our Digital Marketing Pilot project, where we partnered with six early childhood centres to help them develop their own websites and grow their online presence. The journey with Peninsula Stars was remarkable not only because of the digital milestones we reached together but also because of the personal stories and symbols of Tokelauan culture that enriched our work.
As part of this project, Centre Managers Nathan and Elizabeth Pedro presented us with a beautifully crafted Tokelau model canoe. In Tokelauan culture, the canoe is more than just a vessel; it is a symbol of ancestral journeys, community, and resilience. The gesture carried profound meaning, embodying the courage and resourcefulness of Tokelauan ancestors who, with limited resources, navigated the vast Pacific. This gift stands as a reminder of the values and history that Tokelauan people hold dear, even in the face of great adversity.
At our prizegiving event, we were privileged to hear Nathan Pedro share the story of Tokelau—a story that, while marked by challenges, is also a testament to the strength and spirit of its people. As one of the smallest and most remote island nations in the Pacific, Tokelau has faced economic hardship, limited resources, and the impacts of climate change. Yet, the people of Tokelau have held steadfastly to their culture, values, and language. This dedication to preserving their cultural identity has inspired us at Pacific Enterprise People and many others who encounter their story.
The Power of Cultural Heritage in Early Childhood Education
For Nathan and Elizabeth and the team at Peninsula Stars, this focus on culture is central to their educational philosophy. The centre’s new website showcases not just their services but also the core values and cultural heritage that shape every aspect of the children’s learning experiences. Peninsula Stars embodies the theme of this year’s Tokelau Language Week by helping young Tokelauans hold fast to their cultural roots, even as they grow up in New Zealand. Through storytelling, language, and traditional practices, they pass on the essence of what it means to be Tokelauan to the next generation.
In a world where small cultures and languages are at risk of disappearing, initiatives like Tokelau Language Week and centres like Peninsula Stars play a crucial role in preserving cultural identity. By bringing the beauty and values of the Tokelauan culture into early childhood education, Peninsula Stars ensures that young Tokelauans are not only learning but thriving in an environment that respects and celebrates who they are. This journey to preserve their language and culture is indeed a crown, a source of pride and strength that these children will carry with them throughout their lives.
Digital Transformation for Cultural Resilience
Our work with Peninsula Stars has highlighted how digital tools can be a powerful support for cultural resilience. By developing a website that authentically reflects their identity, Peninsula Stars can reach families who are looking for a place where their children can learn in a setting that honours Tokelauan culture. Through digital marketing and online resources, Peninsula Stars—and the other centres in our project—can connect more easily with the communities they serve, sharing their unique cultural perspective with a broader audience.
Our Digital Marketing Pilot was designed with centres like Peninsula Stars in mind, aiming to provide them with the tools to amplify their voice in a digital world. The journey of these six centres has been about more than websites; it’s been about cultural sustainability, providing families with information, and connecting communities. When we see a centre like Peninsula Stars thriving online, we see a vision of a stronger, more resilient future for Pacific languages and cultures.
A Celebration of Tokelau Language Week
As we join in celebrating Tokelau Language Week, we’re reminded of the power of language and culture as vessels for resilience, identity, and pride. The theme, “Tokelau, holdfast to your culture, that is your crown,” serves as an inspiring reminder for all of us—not only for Tokelauan communities but for everyone who cherishes their cultural heritage. It is a call to recognize and celebrate the traditions, language, and values that define us and connect us across generations.
We’re deeply grateful to Nathan, Elizabeth, and the entire Peninsula Stars team for allowing us to be part of their journey. Their commitment to upholding Tokelauan culture within their centre and sharing it with the wider community is truly inspirational. This Tokelau Language Week, let us honour their work and the strength of the Tokelauan people, who continue to hold their culture close, embracing it as their crown in every sense.
As we celebrate together, let’s hold fast to our cultures, languages, and histories—whatever they may be. In doing so, we carry forward a legacy that enriches not only our own lives but the lives of those who come after us.
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