As climate change inundates small island nations, a new life unfolds for Tuvaluans in Australia. Under the recently established Falepili Union treaty, up to 280 Tuvaluans annually will migrate to Australia, escaping the dire impacts of rising sea levels. This project is helping to keep their culture vibrant and build social ties to their new community halfway across the world.
Australia and Tuvalu have created a precedent-setting treaty that requires the world to act now. The Pacific island state faces immediate life-or-death challenges. Funafuti, the capital of Tuvalu, is just one of the dozens of atolls contending with climate change’s effects. The initial tide of entrants will flood in quickly. The Tuvaluan community in Australia is poised to continue to receive these new Australians with open arms.
Cultural Connection in a New Land
The Tuvaluan diaspora in Australia, described as an “oceanic way of life”, is deeply committed to preserving their complex cultural heritage. Involving youth Losa Sogivalu knows firsthand how important and impactful events like Youth Connection Day are. These fun, informative, informal meetings are invaluable to the greater community, nurturing relationships between both the new folks and the long-time locals.
“That’s what we want. We want the kids to be their true selves.” – Losa Sogivalu
As one of those migrants, Frayzel Uale remembers his first days in Australia as an experience, full of culture shock, that felt completely overloaded. He admits that the transition isn’t always easy for first time arrivals.
“We can help them slowly fit in, help them through the culture shock.” – Frayzel Uale
The events organized by the community include singing contests and traditional dances known as fatele, which serve as cultural touchstones. Latasi Monise is passionate about engaging in this important work. They ground him in the larger Tuvaluan community and create a sense of home.
Building a Supportive Community
Melbourne’s Tuvaluan community is doing its part and actively welcoming and resettling new migrants. Like many of those in the group’s newly elected leadership, its president, Niu Boland, has seen the Chinese diaspora swell—and since he established roots in Australia 25 years ago. In his view, creating an ecosystem of encouragement is key in creating the conditions for newcomers to succeed.
Their commitment to cultural preservation is palpable in weekly gatherings. Every Sunday, a Tuvaluan language church service is held in Melton, offering spiritual support and a sense of belonging to attendees.
“It brings them a sense of belonging.” – Frayzel Uale
Sogivalu believes that these meetings are essential in keeping youth connected to their culture and identity. She emphasizes that being a minority in a larger society, it is easy at times to feel like you are forgotten.
“As a young Pacific Islander, as a minority in this big country, you get lost.” – Ms Sogivalu
Preparing for New Arrivals
Over 4,000 of you have already cast your votes for the first-ever round of visas under the Falepili Union treaty. The energy in the community is palpable and their excitement is contagious! Those earliest cohorts of climate migrants will be arriving soon, and the Tuvaluans already there couldn’t be more ready to help them.
Sogivalu points to her passion for making sure that the next generation has experiences that she would have liked to have grown up with. Her commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage has never faltered.
“I want the kids to have what I didn’t have.” – Ms Sogivalu
Monise shares his hopes for future generations, expressing a desire for his children and grandchildren to visit their homeland when they can. And keeping these kids connected to their culture, he believes, is going to make their lives so much better.
“I want it to be there, so me and my kids can visit, my grandkids can visit.” – Latasi Monise
