Pacifica Cultural Conversations

Pacific Nations (Pasefika) are the peoples of the Pacific Islands, also known as Pacific Islanders. As a term of ethnicity, it is used to describe the original peoples of any of the three major subregions of Oceania (across the Central and South Pacific Oceans).

Pasefika was first used to describe Pacific Islanders as non-indigenous ethnic group(s) who had migrated and settled in New Zealand; When used in New Zealand (and Australia), Pasifika excludes the indigenous Maori people.

The role of Christianity in Samoan, Fijian, and Tongan cultures

Christianity is embedded in Samoan, Fijian and Tongan culture and society. While Christianity is the dominant religion for Pasefika peoples elements of indigenous spirituality coexist with Christian practices.

Some maintain beliefs in ancestral spirits and traditional healing allowing for the integration of certain aspects of their cultural heritage with their Christian faith. This blend of traditions reflects the unique way Fijian, Samoan and Tongan society balances indigenous and modern religious practices with its indigenous roots.

• Attending church services is a central part of life for Pasefika people and with families participating in weekly Saturday or Sunday church services. The church plays a role in reinforcing family and community values.
• Religious leaders are respected figures in the community and churches have pastors or ministers who provide spiritual guidance, counselling, and pastoral care to their congregants.
• In all three nations traditional chiefs (known as Turaga in Fiji, Matai in Samoa, and Hou'eiki and Matapule in Tonga) hold political and spiritual significance. Chiefs lead ceremonies and their authority is seen as divinely sanctioned.
• Across all three cultures there is a profound respect for ancestors, often invoked in both traditional and Christian practices. Funerals are elaborate community affairs where both ancestral and Christian rituals play a role in guiding the soul of the deceased to the afterlife.