Noa’ia and warm Pacific greetings,
You are invited to attend the Library Talanoa Online Event.
Wednesday 11th May at 12.30pm – 1.30pm via zoom
Click or copy link into browser
https://unitec-ac-nz.zoom.us/j/91933265181?pwd=U0ZaZWd2SUt6YmpGaXlhRUdXZDlYdz09%20#success
Meeting ID: 919 3326 5181 | Passcode: 580424
CO-HOSTS
Ioane Aleke Fa’avae, Pacific Learning Advisor, Pacific Centre, Unitec
Sana Saleem, Subject Librarian (Pacific), Student Success, Unitec
GUEST SPEAKER
Fipe Salabogi
Fipe was born and raised in Fiji with iTaukei and Rotuman heritage. Migrated to NZ in 2009 with her Fijian husband and their two daughters,
Fipe reignited her interest in learning more about her Rotuman culture, traditions and language alongside her daughters, She is currently involved with the NZRF Mairani Rotuman group based in Auckland; dedicated to especially preserving the Rotuman language since listed on the UNESCO list of endangered languages in 2019.
Fipe holds a Diploma in Hotel Management from the Fiji Institute of Technology and worked in the hospitality industry for over 15 years and is currently the Administration Officer for a non-profit organisation, Pacific Cooperation Foundation.
Celebrate online: Sunday 8 May – Saturday 14 May
This year’s theme for Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta – Rotuman Language Week is Vetḁkia ‘os Fäega ma Ag fak hanua – Sustaining our Language and Culture.
To support the umbrella Pacific Language Weeks theme of Sustainability, the Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta theme was chosen to build on from last year’s focus on the Four Pillars of Wellbeing. “Sustainability aligns to New Zealand’s opportunity to build back better from COVID-19 as we reopen to the world and reconnect with one another,” said Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio.
“The theme also aligns with UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages, which started this year, and recognises the right to preserve, revitalise and promote languages.”
The Hata Collective, representing many of the Rotuman communities in Aotearoa, selected the pillar that best supports the concept of sustainability – VETḀKI – which means to continuously do something without interruption.
“VETḀKI is a word rarely used in the current spoken language, so the use of this word in the theme signals the need for revival of Fäeag Rotuạm,” said Minister Sio. “With only approximately 2,000 speakers on the islands of Rotuma, to nurture the Rotuman identity in Aotearoa, everyone must work together to revitalise and maintain Fäeag Rotuạm.”
Activities and events for Rotuman Language Week will be held throughout Aotearoa and online to showcase the richness of the Rotuman language, culture and traditions.
Stay connected online by visiting the official NZ Rotuman Language Week Facebook page.