Contents
- 1.0. Te Waa Mai Kiribati
- 1.1. Songs
- 1.2. About the Group
- 2.0. Pa Laumilo (Tuvalu)
- 2.1. Songs
- 2.2. About the Group
- 3.0. Kai Te Gali Mai Nukunonu (Tokelau)
- 3.1. Songs
- 3.2. About the Group
Te Waa Mai Kiribati
Songs
E Kakim
This dance and chant has been sung for many generations as a formal way to welcome, honor, and thank guests for their presence.
“Mauri” (Welcoming Song)
It is a pleasure to meet you all.
“Te Kuna Ni Buki”
Let the people of Bairiki join in song
To praise God and thank Him for His love.
His only son died for our sins
To make a path to eternal life.
Sing alleluia, alleluia.
“Te Buki”
The youth of Kiribati are growing.
Do not be surprised to see
How beautifully they dance.
It is no surprise,
Their families have loved them well.
“Te Kamei” (Men’s Dance)
Dance is an important part of our culture.
Generation after generation,
We must keep it alive.
We are the people of Kiribati
Arriving in our canoe.
“Te Kabuti”
The black Kiribati coconut frond skirt is very difficult to make and even more difficult to dance in. The dancers’ movement of the black illustrates the dynamic motion of the beloved Kiribati canoe as it travels far and wide. Feminine power is expressed through the control and energy of this dance and song.
A wind blows and I will follow
Until the end of the islet.
You did not hear my song.
It is strong and pierces down to hell.
It is moving so stop it.
It stopped. It jumped!
I captured it, but it escaped.
We moved the log coming from the sea.
It is coming this way.
The waves break on the shore.
Make us strong. Make us strong.
I speared the blue stone fish
And stopped it where the waves break.
Her canoe is running. Where is she going?
Behold and watch. It is lightning.
“Koburake” (Song of the Frigatebird)
We are longing for home
And loudly call its name.
Kiribati, where are you?
Hark, here the sound of our song.
Kiribati, rise up
So people can see you from afar.
Pull yourself from the deep ocean
So people can see you from afar.
We have no friends to help us.
Let us stay on our land forever.
“Te Kamei” (Climate Change)
Come along, come along!
Let us celebrate this day.
Kiribati is here to share our story.
To you, the United States,
We ask for your help.
Let us work together to reduce consumption
And save our precious islands.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity
To share our story with you.
About the Group
Biography
Te Waa Mai Kiribati was founded by Ioane Tekaai in 2009. He decided to create this group in his home of Bairiki to provide activities for young people amid concerns associated with unemployment. By instilling in the youth a group ethos, understanding, and a commitment to dance and music practice, Ioane aimed to steer them away from the temptation of drinking and delinquency. Te Waa Mai Kiribati has been a positive alternative for the youth. The total group numbers 60 and all rehearsals take place within the family compound. The technical skill that Ionae has been able to provide from his lifelong understanding of traditional dance and musical practice has resulted in immediate recognition and opportunities. The first invitation to tour was made by Water is Rising in October of 2011, the second invitation was to Taiwan in August of 2011, and most recently Te Waa Mai Kiribati received an invitation to go to Peru in 2012. The group is frequently invited to perform in Tarawa. Te Waa Mai Kiribati is considered the most prominent group on this atoll.
Francis Tebau, Tour Manager
I am the eldest in my family. I have graduated from school three years now, but continue to search for better opportunities. Right now, I am helping my family with their small business selling yagong fish. I have a great interest in computer technology and communications and I really love to dance.My family has been active in music and dance for as long as I can remember. As the administrative coordinator of Te Waa Mai Kiribati, I assist my Uncle Ioane Takaai, the founder of Te Waa Mai Kiribati, in organizing our touring projects. While our group is only 2 years old we have already received invitations to Taiwan in 2011 and to Peru in 2012. The Water is Rising tour will be our first opportunity to go to the United States. We are proud to represent our country all over the world and hope that American audiences will come away with a better understanding of our culture and how we are being affected by Climate Change.
Members
| Eritibete Bob | Babai Ioane | Rabangaki Ioa |
| Toaea Kakiaiti | Aana Mareko | Kauongo Rereia |
| Arieta Tanginako | Francis Tebau | Nantonga Tebau |
| Katii Tebungata | Nabaua Tetan | Boraueanimakin Tiannere |
Pa Laumilo (Tuvalu)
Songs
“Opening Song” (Procession)
We are so happy and grateful
To meet you people of America.
We are so thankful to arrive here safely.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord.
All mighty God, thank God for your love.
Our group is from Tuvalu
Brothers and sisters from the Pacific,
Travelling from far away.
We are so small; there is little we can do.
“Hear the Sound” (Fatele)
Tuvalu has arrived to America!
See and say thanks.
Hear the sound
Of the wind.
It so beautiful.
Our country of Tuvalu.
“Pese Feiloai” (Samola’s Song)
Tuvalu is the country where we were born.
Happily we grew up together!
Now eyes look and ears listen
To the daily news:
“Prepare for rising waters.”
When that time shall come,
Where shall we run to?
Tuvalu floats in the Pacific Ocean.
Our tiny island is low and flat.
Our resources are limited.
We depend on your help
To survive and live in peace.
“Elia E” (Warrior Song)
My brothers and sisters,
Speak! I am listening.
The temperature is rising -
See the smoke!
We all must take action.
Brothers and sisters, lend a hand -
Before it is too late!
“Vau Te Aso” (Fatele)
Generations go by
And tales comes and go.
These expressions of life
Are very hard to let go of.
Near or far, my beloved island of Vaitupu
Is always in my heart.
The water springs that come in,
My beloved Island of Vaitupu,
Makes me feel at home.
“My Dear” (Fatele)
My dear Tuvalu, my love for you,
Smiling oi awe koe.
Everything is normal, normal to me.
You will see my deepest heart for you, Tuvalu.
“E Paa Te Kalaga” (Fatele)
An echo rings from far away:
“Everyone! Let us gather coconuts
From here and there.”
Do we have enough? Is it enough?
Let us get some more!
We gather coconuts in many ways.
Do we have enough? Is it enough?
Let us get some more!
“Siki Atu Te Fakafetai”
At this wonderful moment,
We give thanks to all who are here.
We have been looking forward
To this meeting for a long time.
Please join us in celebration.
So many things happen to us,
But we believe
God will never forsake us.
In times of trouble,
He will always be there.
He will provide his abundant love
So we can live happily.
My brothers and sisters,
Please make this day,
Important for us all.
Vaitupu, Tuvalu, is our land.
Remember it forever.
“Pouli Mai O Mauga”
The shadow of the mountain
Tells us the rain is going to fall.
Because of our disagreements,
Nothing can be fulfilled.
Like the grass needs dew, we need you.
You are patient and always smiling.
My love is so great
We give our lives to you.
“Ate Lalolagi”
This world of ours cannot stand still.
Always it is turning.
Oh, what will happen to us?
This world of ours cannot stand still.
Always it is moving.
Worried about climate change,
My Tuvalu, what will happen?
Listen to our voices
Calling for your help.
Please respond to Tuvalu.
Small and low in the Pacific,
We do not panic with climate change.
Looking back on God’s word,
His rainbow shines forever.
“Te Aliki E Alofa Mai La” (Finale)
Sovereign God,
Have mercy on me.
Do not abandon me or forsake me
Because my life is threatened.
In this sinful life,
Have mercy and take care of me
Until your peaceful paradise.
Sovereign God,
Have mercy and save me.
Sovereign God, have mercy on me.
Sovereign God, I need your salvation.
Sovereign God, I need your precious love.
Sovereign God,
You are my Salvation.
Show me the way to your righteousness kingdom.
Have mercy and take care of me
Until your peaceful paradise.
Sovereign God,
Have mercy and save me.
Sovereign God,
You are my only helper.
In times of suffering and difficulties,
Have mercy and take care of me,
Until your peaceful paradise.
Sovereign God,
Have mercy and save me.
“I Taku Matamataga I Amelika”
While touring in various cities of the States,
I visited many historical places,
And discovered this marvelous country.
Oh, lovely America.
My sincere thanks
To Judy Mitoma
Dan, Philip and Tana
Dona, Kiyomi and Marcia, Micky
We all had a great time
In the comfort of your company
What an astonishing Spirit,
To share and mingle together,
With brothers and sisters
From Tuvalu, Tokelau and Kiribati.
What a great opportunity.
About the Group
Biography
Pa Laumilo is from the atoll of Vaitupu, the largest of the nine islands in Tuvalu. Under the direction of Samola Puga, Pa Laumilo advances through to their most ambitious tour yet. As their musical director Samola has selected the outstanding performers for Pa Laumilo, prepared the repertoire, composed songs, choreographed the dances, and trained the group. Samola is unique in Tuvalu for her passion and active career in the arts. As a young woman she toured internationally as a vocalist and dancer, both as a soloist and with the ensemble Ocean View Girls, performing for communities of Tuvaluans living abroad. Because dancing is a community activity in Tuvalu, it is uncommon to have a separate artist profession; however Samola continues to organize events for the community and on occasion tour internationally. Her two sons, Andrew and Moeago, are also part of Pa Laumilo.
Samola Puga, Artistic Director
Samola Puga fell in love with the guitar and ukulele and began her career at 25. She was mentored by Antipa and joined the group Ocean View Girls and performed with them for six years. She has worked independently as a teacher, composer, and choreographer. Samola has received a medal from Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II and was presented to her by the Former Prime Minister of the Government of Tuvalu Hon. Apisai Ielemia in 2010 for her distinguished contribution as an artist and cultural leader. She has lead the Tuvaluan delegation to the Pacific Island Festival in Noemea in 2000. In 2005 she brought delegates to New Zealand for two months. She has toured in Guam, Palau, and in Mariannas as a soloist. She has four children two of which are on this tour. She has enjoyed having this singular, unique talent in Tuvalu. She continues to try to build artistic confidence by bringing her group to the U.S. – the most ambitious tour yet.
Members
| Alasa Malau | Kaupoe Sema Malona | Maaia Moupa |
| Ioane Malologa Paulo | Laumanu Pentiki | Moeago Puga |
| Samola Puga | Andrew Semeli | Tila Viliamu Taape |
| Toalima Takataka | Sakema Teoti | Epati Tepoutoa |
Kai Te Gali Mai Nukunonu (Tokelau)
Songs
"Ulu Whale" (Procession)
This entrance symbolizes the vaka (canoe) on our journey to the United States. Representing our ancestors are the original High Chiefs of the four clans of Nukunonu: Ha Talafau; Ha Tuipagai; Ha Lua; Ha Letele; and our people, the women and children who are in this journey together. We come together to bring a message about the effects of global climate change that are threatening our existence and to show the world the beauty of our culture, people, dance, singing and our island home that we will continually fight to keep forever. This is a fight that we believe anyone would do to keep their country and culture. Nukunonu is the middle island of Tokelau. the four chiefs of the four families raised their people on the tiny island with family and the inati principle and values of respect, love, equity, kindness, and living in peace harmony.
“Kua Aulia Te Aho”
Alleluia, we have arrived!
Let us celebrate this day.
"Tutuga Pa Taku Tiwha" (Fishing Song)
This song talks about how the mother-of-pearl is cut into different pieces that each has unique uses. mother-of-pearl is one of the most valuable items in our culture. Pa matua is the mother-of-pearl pendant that a father gives to his daughter as a symbol of beauty and cultural values which she wears on her wedding day and other special occasions. Some of the cut pieces are also used to make special hooks to catch tuna and for lures to catch different fishes. So when you cut the mother-of-pearl into pieces you need to be careful and precise because the children and the people of the village depend on it for catching the fish that will be shared with everyone in the village.
After catching tuna all the canoes wait at the channel (ava owhi) until the eldest fisherman (toeaina matua) arrives there. No fisherman is allowed to go ashore without all the boats returning, and it is especially important that they must wait for the toeaina matua. If the fishermen all raise their paddles at the channel, it sends the signal to the village that the catch is more than 90 tuna.
So everyone will yell out "mau atu o," meaning "lots of fish." The catch will then be divided equally to everyone on the island using the inati system, calling out: "Tamaiti omai ki na inati," which means each household should send their children to get the household’s share of the catch.
We cut the mother-of-pearl
Be careful, don’t be selfish.
It will feed the children.
The fishermen return,
Watching for the Elders.
Let’s wait at the channel
And count our tuna.
60! 90! 90 or 100? 200? 300?
If we catch more than 90,
We'll raise our paddles high.
Plenty of tuna for all!
"Kau Whao - Hiva Tawhoe" (Paddle Dance)
Through easy or difficult times
People of Tokelau, be strong.
Paddle forward so our elders can continue
To guide us to a better future.
"E Oioia" (Standing Dance)
We are here to dance and sing.
We paddle together.
We will continue slowly,
And never get tired.
"Loimata o Apaula" (Tears of Apaula)
Tears of Apaula.
Vaea, my son,
I will cherish and love you forever.
No matter what.
"Tui Kamilolo E" (Warrior Dance)
The warrior dance shows and symbolizes that no matter what happens, we value, keep and teach our culture. We are strong and have the courage with the help of the spirit, or mana, of our ancestors, elders and people. The mana of nature helps us to peacefully keep fighting for the existence of our culture and our island forever.
Warriors! Warriors!
Carry the warriors’ canoe!
On guard! On guard!
A canoe is coming.
Do they come in peace or war?
Our warriors are coming!
Make way! Make way!
"Toku Koa" (My Precious)
This song is about the valuable materials and handicrafts unique to Tokelau. The boys are display these objects while the girls dance.
Our precious protector Hemoana
Bestowed upon us the raw materials
To decorate our island and make us beautiful.
Let Tokelau be known to the world,
Through her precious arts and crafts.
We are proud, we are proud.
"Nukunonu E" / "Ko Hea Nei"
Nukunonu is the island in our heart,
Standing in the middle of Tokelau.
It is where we live in peace and harmony.
My brothers and sisters, please listen to us.
Love us for who we are.
Now, now, now.
Our land, that was given to us,
Is now sinking in the rising sea.
Our beautiful land,
The world we don’t want to leave.
Our culture and language,
Our values and our beauty,
Might be gone forever,
Because of your unloving ways.
What is the purpose of our culture if we sink?
Kiribati, Tuvalu,
Tokelau, and all other small islands,
Low lying, poor atolls.
My brothers and sisters,
Come, let us join together
To stop pollution before the water rises.
What is the purpose of God’s creation?
Our ancestors taught us ways
To live on this island forever.
About the Group
Biography
Mikaele Maiava is an experienced Tokelau traditional dance choreographer and dancer who has toured internationally in Germany in 2005. While in Alaska in 2009, he was approached to help put together this group.
Kai Te Gali mai Nukunonu was created especially for this Water is Rising Tour. Tokelauan history and culture is preserved in writing and through songs and dances which are passed down through the generations. Every Tokelauan is taught to sing songs from the very beginning of our lives, to tell the legends and history of our unique culture, and to dance graciously so as to reveal the lyrics of our songs and tell its story. Each member of Te Gali mai Nukunonu has been selected according to their experience and beautiful style of traditional dance. They have been part of many local dance competitions and some have participated in the South Pacific Festival that occurs every four years. For most of the dance members, this will be their first time visiting the United States of America and each and everyone are excited, and fully support the purpose of the Water is Rising Tour. We want the developed countries to be aware of our existence and the problem we are facing. Our beautiful Islands of Tokelau (Fakaofo, Nukunonu and Atafu) are experiencing continuous sea level rise due to climate change and we want to prevent this problem from escalating further so that our generations to come, “toto koi manava,” can have the chance to witness our beautiful shores.
Mikaele Maiava, Artistic Director
I was born and brought up in Nukunonu an atoll that is part of Tokelau. I went on scholarship overseas and worked 8 years at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Samoa Multi Country Office and within these years I had the opportunity to also work at the United Nations Volunteer Head Quaters in Bonn Germany in 2008. I attended the first Indigenous People for Climate Change Forum in Alaska 2009, and the Climate Action Network Pacific meeting in Rarotonga, Cook Island 2009 as a Pacific Youth Warrior. As a dancer and choreographer for Tokelauan dance I have toured Germany, been featured at World Culture night in Alaska, and dance my way around the world whenever I get the opportunity. The highest point on our atoll is the tallest coconut tree. Tokelau is now directly affected by Climate Change. The Water is Rising Tour is our opportunity to share with you our unique and beautiful culture through our dance and singing.
Members
| Tangaloa Pio Engeliko | Petranila Juliana Lemisio | Lui Tumua |
| Visesio Gogo Hope | Mikaele Maiava | Luisa Tumua |
| Mateo Seufagafaga Ioane | Suliana Eheta Quinel Peha | Savelio Tumua |
| Detlef Suega Isaia | Aloisio Tio Ineleo | Teina Tuta Laura Tumua |