Aelan Lines : WE CAN ALL STAND TALL IF WE HAVE FAITH IN OUR ROOTS

Words by Jasmine Navala Waleafea (she/her)

A significant attribute of the South Pacific region is its diverse cultures, dialects, and ethnicities. ‘Aelan’ means ‘Island’ in Bislama, the language of Vanuatu. For this ‘Aelan Lines’ section, we would like to give you insight into Pacific Island diversity through introducing some current Pasifika VUW students who are also important Pasifika figures in their own right. 

As they’re all Pasifika from varied home lands and with unique native languages, they represent  the rich and varied ethnicities within the Pacific Islands (Melanesian, Micronesian, and Polynesian). We have also highlighted other Island ethnicities that have become an integral part of our Pasifika community, for instance our Indo-Fijian communities and other associated cultural groupings in South Asia.

Each person was asked to provide a quote to echo the theme of having Pasifika roots and the courage and unity within our community.

*Disclaimer:

The common quotes and phrases used are borrowed and acknowledged for the purpose of this publication, however the translations are accredited to the contributors themselves.