Miscellaneous
Honouring the words of the late Dr Teresia Teaiwa it is important ‘to remind people of the complexity (of the Pacific) and not let them try to paint us with a single brush stroke'. Spread over a third of the earth’s surface, the Pacific ocean is home to the peoples of 20,000 different islands and atolls with over 1,200 recorded indigenous languages. As they navigate their way within a globalised economy, the resurgence of militarism and a warming planet, the nations of this region face ever more pressing and urgent issues. Most notably, the youth voice represents a valuable resource for the future. An in-conversation, chaired by Andrew Fa’avale from MANA Pasifika as our engaged panel of Pasifika youth share their perspectives and experiences, the contributions they make to their communities while sharing the challenges they face, be it independence, remittances, climate change, retaining culture, employment amongst others. Iree Chow in her role as the President of the Pasifika Women's Alliance is able to be a voice on women's issues, challenges and strengths to local, state and federal governments and to support women to be better leaders in the wider community. Timothy Harm is a creative producer for Conscious Mic - a collective of Pasifika, First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse artists and creatives. He is also member of the Pacific Climate Warriors Brisbane Organising Team. He continues to find innovative ways to question and reinvent creative practices whilst creating, holding and sharing space for and with people in his community. Augusta Lokea is Vice President of the Brisbane Bougainville Community and is an active member of both the Papua New Guinean Community and the Brisbane Bougainville Community. She is also a cultural Ambassador, small business owner & a student. Megan Sainian Talvat volunteers for youth programs, is a small business owner, church intern and Youth Alive Band member. She is passionate about importance of knowing and speaking tokples (local language) as well and understanding laws, rules and traditions. She is an early childhood educator and university student. Andrew Fa’avale is the chair of MANA Pasifika and has published research in the fields of education, criminology and health. His research interests are motivated by fostering Pasifika success in the various domains in which he is involved. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and a legal practitioner by the Supreme Court of Queensland.