(2009) Constructing Identity at a distance

This thesis attempts to outline the threats to the survival and perpetuation of the Rapanui culture and ethnic identity, with the purpose of creating a foundation for future cultural research in the local context. This topic was substantiated with complementary definitions of what the Rapanui culture entails, how it is – or should be- authenticated and transmitted, and finally who is ultimately responsible for the perpetuation of the culture. The results are based on data collected using questionnaires, informal interviews, observation and literature reviews, predominantly within the Methodological Bricolage approach. To understand how best to promote wholesome cultural evolution, a society must first agree on a shared cultural foundation. A relatively clear and accepted notion of the nature of the shared culture, as well as the establishment of ideologically similar common goals, are necessary for cultural revitalization to take place peacefully and efficiently. In the case of the Rapanui, this shared cultural foundation may be missing and therefore needs to be reconceptualised before any advancement in terms of cultural evolution or social unity can be successfully achieved.

Rapa Nui Journal 28(2) : 25-34

When commercial flights between Rapa Nui and Tahiti began in 1968, after nearly 70 years of colonial confinement, a new migratory process began from Rapa Nui to Tahiti. This included claims of ownership of the lands of Pamatai, bought 80 years earlier by a group of 25 Rapanui immigrants. For the Rapanui people, the history of the lands of Pamatai evokes a series of memories and forgotten events, genealogical ties, as well as a constant search for a linkage with Tahiti – a “memory of diaspora.” In this paper, I analyze the history of links between Rapanui people and Tahiti and the role of the lands of Pamatai in the Rapanui migration process: the exodus during the nineteenth century, confinement on Easter Island, the broken link with Tahiti, and Rapanui claims for ownership of the lands of Pamatai after the 1970s.

Rapa Nui Journal, 2015

Journal of Intercultural Studies, 2004

2002

Te Kaharoa

Colonization, modernity and migration have impacted indigenous peoples globally. Of particular interest, is how identity formation of indigenous peoples are affected through these events. This article explores the life narratives of 20 Pacific Islanders in Brisbane, Australia, and their perceptions of identity. Through talanoa (culturally appropriate conversation) a deeper understanding of how Pacific Island people navigate, use, build and (re)shape their identities was established. The findings showed that although all the participants acknowledged the effects of colonialism, migration and western social expectations, their Pacific culturalism was central to their identity formation. Furthermore, participants expressed that without an understanding of who they were as Pacific Islanders, they would inevitably internalize negative perceptions. Interestingly, all the participants in the study also spoke of the complex intersections and hybrid notions of identity they embodied, as oppo...

2002