I grew up in a Tongan household, surrounded by my father, stepmother, paternal grandmother, and paternal aunts. In Tongan culture, there is no distinction between aunts, uncles, grandmothers, or cousins – they are all considered mothers, fathers, or siblings. Our house in Mount Druitt was a place of love, with the phrase “Fe’ofa’aki” drilled into the front door, reminding us to love one another.
As the first Tongan writer to publish a novel in Australia, I feel honored but also question why it took so long for Pasifika artists to gain recognition. The term “Pasifika” is preferred by Islanders to describe themselves, emphasizing their Pacific heritage. Despite facing negative stereotypes in Australian television shows like Summer Heights High and Jonah from Tonga, Pasifika artists are making significant contributions to Australia’s cultural landscape.
Latai Taumoepeau, a visual artist of Tongan descent, uses her work to address important issues like the climate crisis and gender politics. Another influential figure is S?moan artist Leo Tanoi, whose work celebrates cultural stories from various Pacific nations. Despite past misrepresentations, Australia is beginning to appreciate the richness and complexity of Pasifika art and culture.
The recent loss of S?ini Taumoepeau, a prominent figure in Australia’s Tongan community, is a reminder of the impact of Pasifika leaders. Through her work in radio and storytelling, she challenged stereotypes and promoted cultural understanding. Other artists like Sela Ahosivi-Atiola, Hau Latukefu, Vika and Linda Bull, and Anne-Marie Te Whiu are also making significant contributions to Australian literature.
Jioji Ravulo, a Fijian-Australian academic, has become the country’s first Pasifika professor, leading the way in Pasifika-Australian scholarship. The legacy of community leaders like S?ini continues to inspire Pasifika artists to share their stories and perspectives. As we navigate the path she paved for us, we remember her words: “Nothing about us without us.”
