Pacific Collection

O a Latou Tala – In Samoan Language.

The fa’a-Samoa is not just a system of beliefs, ideas, values, and practices: it is also a process. It is situated in many different countries and communities simultaneously, and it is strong among migrant communities. It is not immutable, for it is ever subject to change both in Samoa and in receiving countries. Saili Matagi is an exploration of the practice of fa’a-Samoa among migrants, of the nature of the politics of tradition within their communities, and of the search for opportunities in new environments. Saili Matagi is set in contexts of not only of Samoan history and social organization, but also international migration. The Christian church and the fa’a-Samoa have become inseparably linked; thus, Va’a explores the history and role of the Lotu, establishment and characteristics of Samoan churches in Sydney and membership in the Canterbury-Bankstown church.

This book is particularly aimed for young people who will have to take the responsibility choosing between different ways of development in the different regions of Vanuatu. It is common in the pacific to compare tradition and custom with modern ways. But what does custom in Vanuatu represent.

This book is a chronicle of colonial treachery of how the Indians (mostly from North India) were promised a pleasant life in the Pacific and were transported to work in the sugar cane plantations in Fiji.  The Indentured Labour System – invented and enforced by the British Administration was a trickery agreement that recruited approximately 60500 Indians between 1879 – 1920, their last arrival, to be slaved in a promised paradise.  Their living and working conditions were so atrocious with the long hours of work, assaults, social breakdowns and even worse – the ill-treatment of women that tore their hearts apart. The testimony of Narayan is an awakening call to all, especially the descendants of the “Girmitiyas” and the coming generations to recapture the sight of the Indian Diaspora and their heritage.