2014 Independence Day and Language Week
Today, August 4th, marks the 49th anniversary of Cook Islands independence and the signing of the nation’s constitution.
It also kicks off Cook Islands Language week in New Zealand. This year’s theme is:
“Ako Marie i nga Potiki i teia ra kia upoko tu ratou apopo: Nurture young minds today so they may become leaders of tomorrow. “
I can’t think of a more appropriate theme! Did you know that not only do more Cook Islanders live in NZ than in the Cook Islands, only 16% of NZ Cook Islanders can hold a conversation in their heritage language (Census 2006 data from Spasifik Mag).
Even though the Spirit of Tivaevae crew is based in the U.S., we still like to celebrate along with all the Kuki’s in New Zealand. Here are some fun resources you can enjoy thanks to the magic of the internet, regardless of whether you live in NZ or not!
- TheCoconut.TV has a fun online game where you can learn Cook Islands vocab (scroll down the page to find the game).
- Learn to sing Te Atua mou e, the Cook Islands national anthem.
- Te Papa museum in Wellington is highlighting Cook Islands artifacts on their blog.
- Our list of Cook Islands words relating to tivaevae.
- Here’s the full list of NZ events from the Ministry of Pacific Affairs.
If you attend one of the celebration events, would you write us a comment below or shoot us an email? We want to live vicariously through you! 🙂
Update 8/5/14: The correct theme for 2014 Language Week is now listed!
Melodie Turori
Melodie is the director and producer of Spirit of Tivaevae. Born in New Zealand to a Cook Islander father and American mother, Melodie was raised in the United States. Her family background gives her a unique perspective on being a Pacific Islander raised outside the culture.
