Celebrating Tokelau Language Week, these heritage videos were created by the Tokelau Hutt Valley Sports and Cultural Association, intended to build cultural and digital capability through community learning.
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TAFOE O!
Tafoe is the Tokelau dance with the foe. The words and actions connect us to the history of Gagana Tokelau and the narratives of the past.
The ability for the vaka Tokelau to stay on course affirms its centrality on the foe. Tokelau has been able to survive the past and present situations by living in a remote place that has more water than land. During the time of traditional vaka (canoes), the foe (paddle) was vital for the Tokelau people. It is known that the Foe ensures the vaka will reach its destination. For instance, gathering resources or food on the outer islands or harvesting the ocean to fish in the lagoon or the open sea.
The Tautai holds the steering foe i mulivaka to guide the way.
‘Fanau Tokelau ke mau mai tau foe’
Video by P&L Ltd, Fraser Rudman, and Tokelau Hutt Valley Sports & Culture Association
Watch next: The significance of the foe (Tokelau paddle)
