Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Wrestling enthusiast Ilai Elekana Manu hopes his new book on Tokelauan traditional wrestling, or Fagatua, will garner more interest in the sport.
The book, called Fagatua Tokelau, gives readers a crash course on the sport, where they learn about its history, rules and wrestling techniques.
It is part of a series of language resources released by the new Gagana Tokelau Website, Te Kupega o te Vateatea o te Gagana Tokelau, set up to encourage more Tokelauans to learn about their language and culture.
Manu says that young people will benefit from fagatua because it will help to strengthen their cultural identity.
“Fagatua as a cultural practice [has] declined over the years in Tokelau. Compounded by the large migration of Tokelau to New Zealand and other parts of the world, fagatua has widely become a forgotten part of the culture.”
The Dunedin-based author first learned about the sport through a family member while competing as an Olympic wrestler for Tokelau.
“At the time, I had never heard of [it],” he says.
“Wrestling began to feel more spiritual for me – the more I learned about fagatua and our traditional ways. I feel a real sense of belonging, knowing that my ancestors also wrestled and that we, as Tokelau, have our own version of it.”
It has been a two-year project that has drawn on the expertise of the community to publish the book and record its accompanying audio in English and Tokelauan. Local Tokelauan artist, Vaitoa Baker, produced illustrations.
“The writing process was very enjoyable and enriching for me. I was able to write freely and had great support and guidance along the way,
“Gaining the blessing and trust from the elders to reshare their experiences – I try to pass this knowledge on to the next generation as authentically as possible.”
“I hope that our younger generation will embrace fagatua as part of our Tokelau culture and continue to revive it through discussion and participation,” he says.
If you are interested in reading Fagatua Tokelau or purchasing hard copies, you can visit the Gagana Tokelau website here.
