Rotuman Language Week Affirms Language as the key to Pacific wellbeing
The first Pacific Language Week this year makes it clear that language is the key to the well-being for all Pacific people said Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio.
“This round of language weeks began with Rotuman. As I have always said language is one of the pillars of our identity. This Government believes Pacific languages deserve to thrive in Aotearoa New Zealand."
“This year’s Rotuman Language Week theme is Tutur häk ne måur lelei, or, in English, the ‘four pillars of life’, including health: Fak'ata (spiritual), Fakforo (physical), 'Os A'häe (psychological) and Hạikạinagaga (relationship with people).This is a holistic approach to life and language that will inspire our young people.
“Tutur häk ne måur lelei reminds us that Pacific resilience is about more than just physical health – we must also nurture the other aspects that make up our entire beings. It is a call to action to take stock of our overall wellbeing.
“The Wellbeing Budget 2019 delivered a $20 million package to MPP over four years to support the revitalisation of Pacific languages. The funding will lay the foundations for making sure Pacific languages flourish in Aotearoa,” said Aupito William Sio.
“My hope for Rotuman Language Week is that we accept the invitation to nourish our culture through Rotuma’s four pillars of life. We will also unite with the Rotuman community as they share with us the beauties of their culture and language,“ said Aupito William Sio.
Photo credit: Ministry for Pacific Peoples
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Pasefika Proud Pathways for Change 2019 - 2023
Pasefika Proud is a social change movement – ‘by Pacific for Pacific’ – to boost wellbeing for Pacific families and transform attitudes, behaviours and norms that enable violence. Our name and strapline embody our strengths-based, community-led approach.
Pasefika Proud Vision: Pacific families and communities are safe, resilient and enjoy wellbeing through social connections, healthy and happy lifestyles, cultural identity, personal security and safety, spirituality.
Pasefika Proud change strategies: mobilising pacific communities + capability development + strategic priorities.
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Pasefika Proud: Our Families, Our People, Our Responsibility