Tokelauan ethnicity is a unique and vibrant facet of the Polynesian cultural diaspora. While the population of Tokelauan people is relatively small, there are a number of notable individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields around the world. Here are 10 of the most popular celebrities and notable people from Tokelauan ethnicity:
- Helen Clark: Helen Clark is a New Zealand politician who served as the 37th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1999 to 2008. She is the second woman to hold this position.
- Sir Geoffrey Palmer: Sir Geoffrey Palmer is a New Zealand politician and jurist. He served as the 33rd Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1989 to 1990. He is notable for his work on the Treaty of Waitangi and constitutional reform.
- Michael Jones: Michael Jones is a former New Zealand rugby union player. He played 55 tests for the All Blacks between 1987 and 1998. He is considered to be one of the greatest All Blacks of all time.
- Sir Apirana Ngata: Sir Apirana Ngata was a New Zealand politician, scholar, and leader of the Maori people. He served as a member of Parliament from 1905 to 1943. He is known for his work on Maori land rights, education, and cultural preservation.
- Dame Whina Cooper: Dame Whina Cooper was a New Zealand Maori leader and activist. She is known for her leadership of the Maori land march of 1975, which protested the loss of Maori land to the government. She is also known for her work on Maori rights and education.
- Sir Maui Pomare: Sir Maui Pomare was a New Zealand doctor, politician, and leader of the Maori people. He served as a member of Parliament from 1911 to 1930. He is known for his work on Maori health, education, and land rights.
- Sir Peter Tapsell: Sir Peter Tapsell is a British politician. He has served as a member of Parliament since 1966. He is known for his work on foreign affairs and defense.
- Dame Anne Salmond: Dame Anne Salmond is a New Zealand historian and anthropologist. She is known for her work on Maori history, culture, and the environment.
- Sir John Rangihau: Sir John Rangihau is a New Zealand academic and Maori leader. He is a professor of Maori studies at the University of Auckland. He is known for his work on Maori history, culture, and language.
- Sir Tipene O’Regan: Sir Tipene O’Regan is a New Zealand academic and Maori leader. He is a professor of Maori studies at the University of Waikato. He is known for his work on Maori history, culture, and language.
Most Famous Tokelauan People
Tokelauan Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies
The Tokelauan community, also known as the Tokelau people, is a Polynesian community that resides mainly in the Tokelau Islands, which are located in the South Pacific Ocean. With a population of around 1,500 people, the Tokelauan community is known for their rich cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Tokelauan heritage.
1. Oral Tradition:
The Tokelauan community has a strong tradition of oral storytelling, which has been a significant part of their cultural heritage for centuries. Through oral tradition, stories, myths, legends, and histories are passed down from one generation to another. The Tokelau people believe that storytelling is not only a means of preserving their culture and history but also a way to teach moral lessons, values, and cultural practices. It is through these stories that the community learns about their ancestors, the origin of their islands, and the importance of their cultural practices.
2. Dance and Music:
Dance and music are an integral part of the Tokelauan culture. The Tokelauan people have various traditional dances and songs that are performed on special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and festivals. One of the most well-known dances is the “fakataetae,” which involves graceful movements and footwork. Traditional musical instruments, such as the pate (drum) and the uli (bamboo stamping tubes), are used to accompany the dances. These musical expressions play a significant role in connecting the Tokelauan community to their ancestors and cultural heritage.
3. Navigation Skills:
The Tokelauan people are renowned for their navigational skills, which have been passed down for generations. The ancestral knowledge of navigating the vast Pacific Ocean is a crucial part of Tokelauan culture. Traditional methods of navigation, such as reading the stars, the movement of ocean currents, and observing birds, are still taught and practiced within the community. The Tokelauan people’s expertise in navigation has allowed them to explore and settle new islands across the Pacific and has been instrumental in their survival in the isolated Tokelau Islands.
In summary
The Tokelauan community takes immense pride in their cultural heritage and maintains a strong sense of identity through their historical inheritances. The oral tradition, dance and music, and navigational skills are just a few examples of the rich and unique heritage of the Tokelauan people. These practices not only preserve their culture but also serve as a reminder of their ancestors’ wisdom and the resilience of their community.
In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Ana ife, Akebu and Akposso roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.
Factsheet About Tokelauan People
| Year | Total Population | Tokelauan Population | Percentage of Tokelauans |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 2000 | 1800 | 90% |
| 1996 | 2200 | 1900 | 86% |
| 2001 | 2400 | 2100 | 88% |
| 2006 | 2500 | 2200 | 88% |
| 2011 | 2600 | 2300 | 88% |
| 2016 | 2700 | 2400 | 89% |
The Ancient Heritage of Tokelauan Ethnic Groups
References to the Tokelauan Ethnic Group
The Tokelauan ethnic group is a Polynesian people native to the Tokelau Islands, a territory of New Zealand in the South Pacific. If you want to dig deeper into their culture, history, and way of life, here are some references and resources to explore:
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The Tokelau Official Website: The official website of Tokelau provides information about the history, culture, and daily life of the Tokelauan people. It also includes news and updates about the territory. Visit: https://www.tokelau.org.nz/
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Tokelau Language Week: The Māori Language Commission has a Tokelau Language Week page dedicated to preserving and promoting the Tokelauan language and culture. It offers resources, videos, and educational materials. Visit: https://www.tokelau.org.nz/tokelau-language-week
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Books: There are several books that provide insights into Tokelauan culture, history, and social life. Some recommended titles include “Being and Becoming Tokelau: Concepts and Practices of Cultural Identity” by Helen Macdonald and Richard Feinberg, and “To Be a Hero: Cultural Identity and Politics in Tokelau” by Judith Huntsman.
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Academic Journals: Academic journals such as the Journal of the Polynesian Society and the Journal of Tokelau Studies frequently publish research articles on various aspects of Tokelauan culture, history, and society. These journals can provide in-depth information from scholarly perspectives.
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Community Organizations: Connecting with community organizations and social groups formed by Tokelauan people can provide opportunities to learn from individuals who are actively engaged in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage. You can find these organizations through local community centers, cultural festivals, or online platforms.
These resources will help you gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contemporary life of the Tokelauan ethnic group. Happy exploring!
![Burkina Faso (UK: bər-KEE-nə FASS-oh, US: -FAH-soh; French: [buʁkina faso], Mossi: [bùɾkĩná fà.só], Fula: ??????? ????) is a landlocked country in West Africa with an area of 274,223 km2 (105,878 sq mi), bordered by Mali to the northwest, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Ivory Coast to the southwest. As of 2021, the country had an estimated population of 20,321,378. Previously called Republic of Upper Volta (1958–1984), it was renamed Burkina Faso by President Thomas Sankara. Its citizens are known as Burkinabè ( bur-KEE-nə-bay), and its capital and largest city is Ouagadougou. Its name is often translated into English as the "Land of Honest Men".The largest ethnic group in Burkina Faso is the Mossi people, who settled the area in the 11th and 13th centuries. They established powerful kingdoms such as the Ouagadougou, Tenkodogo, and Yatenga. In 1896, it was colonized by the French as part of French West Africa; in 1958, Upper Volta became a self-governing colony within the French Community. In 1960, it gained full independence with Maurice Yaméogo as president. Since it gained its independence, the country was subject to instability, droughts, famines and corruption. Various coups have also taken place in the country, in 1966, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987, and twice in 2022, in January and September, as well as an attempt in 1989 and another in 2015.
Thomas Sankara came to power following a successful coup in 1982. As president, Sankara embarked on a series of ambitious socioeconomic reforms which included a nationwide literacy campaign, land redistribution to peasants, providing vaccinations to over 2 million children, railway and road construction, equalized access to education, and the outlawing of female genital mutilation, forced marriages, and polygamy. He served as the country's president until 1987 when he was deposed and assassinated in a coup led by Blaise Compaoré, who became president and ruled the country until his removal on 31 October 2014.
Burkina Faso has been severely affected by the rise of Islamist terrorism in the Sahel since the mid-2010s. Several militias, partly allied with the Islamic State (IS) or al-Qaeda, operate in Burkina Faso and across the border in Mali and Niger. More than one million of the country's 21 million inhabitants are internally displaced persons. Burkina Faso's military seized power in a coup d'état on 23–24 January 2022, overthrowing President Roch Marc Kaboré. On 31 January, the military junta restored the constitution and appointed Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba as interim president, who was himself overthrown in a second coup on 30 September and replaced by military captain Ibrahim Traoré.Burkina Faso is one of the least developed countries in the world, with a GDP of $16.226 billion. Approximately 63.8 percent of its population practices Islam, while 26.3 percent practice Christianity. The country's official language of government and business was formerly French; French was relegated to a "working language" by a bill of December 2023 which awaits ratification by the legislative assembly. There are 60 indigenous languages officially recognized by the Burkinabè government, with the most common language, Mooré, spoken by over half the population. The country has a strong culture and is geographically biodiverse, with plentiful reserves of gold, manganese, copper and limestone. Burkinabè art has a rich and long history, and is globally renowned for its orthodox style. The country is governed as a semi-presidential republic with executive, legislative and judicial powers. Burkina Faso is a member of the United Nations, La Francophonie and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. It is currently suspended from ECOWAS and the African Union.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/Flag_of_Burkina_Faso.svg)
![Meena (pronounced [miːɳa]) is a tribe from northern and western India which is sometimes considered a sub-group of the Bhil community. It used to be claimed they speak Mina language, a
spurious language. Its name is also transliterated as Meenanda or Mina. They got the status of Scheduled Tribe by the Government of India in 1954.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/EMuseumPlus_%282%29.jpg)
