Tokelauns

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Tokelauans are native to Tokelau, one of the islands with Samoan culture and language ties accepted as a part of New Zealand since 1948.

"Tokelau" translates to "North-Northeast". Tokelauans identify as their islands, some are living on "Atafu", "Fakaofo", and "Nukunonu".

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It is estimated that the population in Tokelau is 1,700. Though there may be 5,000 more Tokelauans in New Zealand itself. Tokelauans speak Tokelauan and English, though elders may also know Samoan.

Elders, through the "Pulenuku" (Mayor), may control village activities. Tokelauans are Protestant and Catholic, their modern ceremonies and traditions are no longer focused upon "Tui Tokelau".

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Before Christianity, Tokelauans, worshipped Tui Tokelau along with the other Polynesian gods. Fakaofo was the village which held a sacred symbol of Tui Tokelau.

In May, all of the people of Tokelau islands would travel to Fakaofo to pray for protection and feast. This was their New Year's, in a sense. The people would offer fish, coconuts, and pandanos drupes. They would dance around a flame in the night to signal the New Year.

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