Courtesy of Michael Field. Atafu, Tokelau
Tokelau
Capital: Undetermined
Population: 1499
Languages: Tokelauan, English
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Demonym: Tokelauan
On the Atolls
When in Tokelau, you’re more isolated than researchers stationed in Antarctica. The country has no ports, no harbours and no airports. The only way there is a choppy 24-36 hour boat ride from Apia, Samoa. Unlike other pacific nations Tokelau has relatively no tourist industry and in turn very little Western influence. Despite officially being within New Zealand’s jurisdiction, the nation is one of the few remaining places where Polynesian culture remains relatively untouched.
Courtesy of Vlad Sokhin. Tokelau.
Obtained from: https://www.spc.int/our-members/tokelau/details
Away from the West
One visiting would likely be able to attend a disco at Atafu or watch elders discuss local goings while allocating the day’s catch. Many areas still rely on the inati system by which everyone contributes to the village’s needs and receives their designated portion. Some locals see the 'jealousy' money brings as a disruptive factor given the culture preceding it. While New Zealand provides aid, education has been Tokelauan since the 1950’s. With the lowest per capita GDP on the planet at a mere $1000USD, people survive largely on the land itself. When a fish is caught its for the village, not just your family.
Atafu my island stands in the deep currents of the ocean,
The story of islands carried by the wind,
I feel in my body,
Atafu is
paradise.
- excerpt from a traditional Tokelauan song
Courtesy of New Zealand Geographic. Atafu, Tokelau
Courtesy of New Zealand Geographic. Atafu, Tokelau
The Highest Tide Yet
This unique nation sits across three atolls, none of which exceed five-metres above sea level at any point. For now coral walls do their best, but the shores where the elders once fished now sit submerged at all times of day. For the people of Tokelau, there is no higher ground to go to.
The consequences they face are not from their own actions. Tokelau is the worlds first completely renewable nation. Solar energy and biofuel-powered generators make up 100% of the nation’s energy.
The population transfer has already begun. In New Zealand there are 6800 people of Tokelauan descent, while the actual nation is only home to 1500. Leaving the island will mean leaving behind much of their culture, but rising sea levels will likely force the majority of the population to move within the century. Faint has the hope may be, Tokelauans are fighting for any chance remaining to keep their land and culture afloat.
What's Next?
