Te Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu - Tuvalu Language Week 2021 is moving online due to the uncertainty around COVID-19.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Aupito William Sio says it is, however, a timely reminder of the power of embracing both traditional and new ways of doing things.
This year’s remaining Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) Pacific Language Weeks are most likely to be celebrated online.
Tuvalu Language Week is sixth in the Pacific Language Weeks line-up for 2021, and as with the others already celebrated, its overarching theme is wellbeing.
When further breaking down the theme, the Tuvalu Auckland Community Trust selected – Fakaakoigina tou iloga kae tukeli ke magoi mote ataeao - which in English means, Embracing our culture and a more secure vibrant future, explains Minister Sio.
“This relates to the role of language and culture in assuring a vibrant future for Tuvaluans throughout the country,” he says.
“This is a holistic view of wellbeing for the Tuvalu community essential in the uncertain times we face, with COVID-19 resurging when we least expect it.”
Tuvalu is made up of nine inhabited islands with a population of approximately 11,000.
It is the fourth-smallest nation in the world.
There are approximately 4,653 people who identify as being from Tuvalu living in Aotearoa, according to the 2018 Census.
Tuvaluan communities in New Zealand are also more keenly aware of the impact climate change continues to have on their island home and the future survival of their heritage and language,” Minister Sio adds.
On September 28, the Wellington-based Tuvalu for All Trust hosted the opening ceremony on September 26 for Tuvalu Language Week, while Tuvalu Auckland Community Trust will facilitate the closing ceremony on October 2.
The community will also commemorate 43 years of Tuvalu independence on October 1.