Olohega or Swains Island Part 1 of 3 Tagata Pasifika

[paia852]

Wow, the language is similar to samoan,, i dnt speak it but i can understand what hes saying... haha thats weird..

[hamogunjafarmer]

Taloha Ni, Olohega is a beautiful island, only problem there, too much namu......he he he. Nice clean ocean, and long history. Jennings estate still there but in ruins. Lots of coconut crabs! Taste good!

The old Congregational Church still stands with some old historical relics inside.

Manuia!

[fremiben]

can someone get back @me cause i like know.i got nothing against da tokes,i love da tokes but im so tiered of hearing whose da real ones nd whos da fake ones.this is all about da last name...dats very sad....

[fremiben]

why do the tokelauan people always saying that their the real jenning and theres fake jennings?i thought all tokelau people r 1 but now i see all this fighting about whos da real tokelau nd whos da fake,dats really sad 2 read nd hear.aint da pedros nd da jenning r all related?i was jus wondering.

[ArcadianIslander]

Hi,Can anyone tell me what the name of Eli Jennings daughter who married the offspring of Jules Tyrell ?

[pstowers17]

@ArcadianIslander

Hi, Eli Jennings daughter was Mere/Mele who married Mr Tyrell

[SunshineHunnay]

i wanna go to olohega and find real Tokelauans there... =)

[Tafea]

I miss mama and papa

[Kalehiapete]

shame! told them not to show that fricken close up of me!

[itue2000]

E maligi o o'u loimata mo oe si toeina. Ia fa'amanuia i le Atua lau tau avega ma o le a matou tatalo mo oe fa'apeafo'i lau aiga. "I'm Samoan and I share my ALOFAS to you and the 'aiga'.

Soifua,

[onagiH]

Kata - I live and breathe Tokelau. My kaulemu! Where are u Def not in Tokelau. Is this scheming to suit u just because u r Pedro? Where will the rest of us be? We say Nahe kaumaia na mea e fai i nuku kehe ke fai i Tokelau! Tokelau is about kaiga, we build one another UP not greed nor stupidity! Ivi ma kakano Are you foreigners speaking my gagana and yet shamed us all for you do not know what it means! Ivi ma Kakano is your DNA and your ancestors as you just sold yourselves to ME!

[wagawaga1406]

@onagiH Is this your take on this issue? That you need to marry into a certain family and try and force your ideas onto others? It seems you are missing the point. It is not one family, but a generation of families including yours that were affected. I agree with you about leaving foreign things to foreigners (its logical) but in an era where our people were heavily dependent on foreigners (supposed) wisdom that was driven by greed, our people were of no match.

[wagawaga1406]

@onagiH both arguments are valid. But after reading comments I feel as though people are quick to blame rather than try and find a solution.

[iuliapetelo]

its me again...i have a friend thats looking for this people.... there names are Easter Chang and Francis Chang.... please if you know these two would you give me a buz because mah friend here really wants to talk to them.... i think these two are some where in America, California....thanks

[iuliapetelo]

malo ni....ea mai koutou....i'm from the Pedro family,...im looking for mah family....if you have any connection please i would be very happy to chat with you....Mafatia from Tokelau, Nukunonu....

[SwainsIsland]

I'm moving to Tokelau (perhaps Fakaofo), because apparently there's this notion that I can work on someone's PRIVATE property (even Get PAID)... Then, maybe fool around with the boss' daughter... and, get FIRED!

But, that's okay... Because, I can then ASSERT that I own the very property I WORKED....LAUGHABLE.

[onagiH]

Correction you need to marry a Pedro then start scheming on Youtube like Betty and Nathan to promote hatred and division amongst the Tokelau people in order to push stupid ideas forward! Oh then get all the MASIPAS on board - Mary Jo, Bobbie Jo, Soso Jo for they are guaranteed the right to free expression of stupid ideas! HA

[wagawaga1406]

The responses to this doco really saddens me. It hurts to know that this subject further divides our people. My mum was born in Olohega along with many of her siblings. Ive heard the stories of their up bringing in Olohega and think... how can we ignore living proof by those who were there and experienced what was happening in Olohega.

I dont care what anyone says, Im gonna visit Olohega when i get the chance.

[SwainsIsland]

Absurd, that's like me saying, because my parents visited or perhaps worked in the Japanese Imperial Palace... That, I somehow have right and title to the place for my summer vacations...

[jedijudah]

Anei e keiloa pe ifea te tokalua te e fia matua mai, Tali ta na piso! So, did Grasshopper also tell you that you two should get a room? Your nappy - talk is getting a little stagnant for the Adults...so from all of us here...Hano pi, hano moe...shh! hano, Ia koulua na kinia...olo la...te piha...kua lava

[jedijudah]

Is this person below really kidding? Or just a pristine young mind defensive in their opinion, and ignorant in their outlook...you don't know how many others have been watching this space... humble enough NOT to stir the pot...but don't worry...i'll keep chipping away at you, to cleanse you of you ignornance... after all...that's the Tokelau way...we can't let you be ignornant on your own...so from one taina to another, let me cleanse you of your hakahoa!

[MystereRochas]

Haloa te pepe, koe kua he? We found it funny too that you couldnt find your way to Tokelau let alone Olosega. Needed directions? There are planes, did you swim there? U r the wally and lunatic cos we know the way home. Just like any frontier, you need a valid passport with no criminal record before entry International law. The only person screaming here is you! Frustrated from being a lost soul and suffering from too much greed - nicely put by another Too much fia Jennings! Get a life!

[vinmysta5]

MystereRocha I wont say anything offensive to disrespect my fellow Tokelauans,Criminal records?I got a clean slate.I wont question you on that matter,You still havent left your footprint in my profile,Ko au ehe memeki foki atu toku igoa aua koe he Tokelau.Ko au ehe greedy,tai ni ko au e makona ite fakapuku.theres aquestion I wana ask you,but I wont bring myself up to your level,if you know what I mean???oh you got mail!!

[jedijudah]

When you say "we know the way home" ...who exactly is "We"? and can you please give us all an insight ki te toutou gafa? just to clear the air, and to ensure you are not a "Fia Jennings" as you have accused someone else as being.... do I sense a challenge much?

[MystereRochas]

Just to clear the air are you unwell or what? Dont you read the comments left by others or even pay attention to the clips? Obviously not. We applied to us that figured out whats really happening here. Shall I spell that out for you or are you due for your moe moe & pills? My gafa is already known only to those with the right for they are my kaiga> not you.

[halewaimaka]

We stand with you. Aloha no

[MystereRochas]

Olosega is part of the USA and nothing will ever change that! This is based on the Treaty Of Tokehega that was signed away by three representatives of Tokelau. Now, you can claim Olosega back if you can prove those signatories were from Out-of-Space or were non-Tokelau. Be grateful that Jennings are part Pedro otherwise, you and I and Tokelau would have been forgotten! Ni IVI,ni KAKANO e tu atu ai au mo oku tupuna, ma oku kaiga katoa ona kote alofa faka-Tokelau. Alofa lahi atu ni !

[MystereRochas]

We all know of a similar incident that occurred in the history of Fakaofo where lands in Fenuafala were purchased with just a few axes and cloths. Youre not making a song/pehe about that? I wonder if its because he wasnt a Jennings? Truth is people, the Jennings have been there for Tokelau in our time of need i taimi o matagi ma afa. (after those hurricanes & typhoons)

[MystereRochas]

I am Olosega born. Haloa, e tu atu te Tokelau ona kua fafagu e koutou oku tupuna na momoe filemu atu. Koutou te he alolofa atili. A true Tokelau knows to treat Olosega and its Head of Govt with respect, since hes one of our own flesh & blood  a Tokelau through the Pedro kaiga. Olosega is doing nicely and God knows, Tokelau doesnt need selfish and greedy people like you to drag the Jennings kaiga down with your fabrications and manipulation tactics to suit your schemes over the net.

[MystereRochas]

Talofa ni

Anyone can tell that this is a personal vendetta against the Jennings. In our history, four brothers were born to Tokelau: Fakaofo, Olosega, Atafu & Nukunonu. Currently, one brother (Olosega) is doing well after he became a US colony. The other three are still struggling under the NZ Govt. Why drag Olosega down with you? It doesnt make any sense but most of all why are you blaming the Jennings for the state that Tokelau is in?

[itchybluepen]

Malo ni ThaNook64

I read the Scriputures you posted. Fakafetai lahi ni. The Scriptures are full of wisdom....but most of all full of Love. I have opions on Olohega that are in the same accord with some family members, and differ greatly from others.  That being said I love my family, the Tokelau People. I pray that the Spirit will touch each of us and bless us with Understanding and Love. All things are possible through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May He have mercy on us. Tu-Fa!

[MrHawaiianboi]

Tatou tuku ki te Atua o tatou manakoga e fakahino mai e ia te mea e tatau na fai. Kafai e fofou te Atua ke toe foki ia Olohega ki Tokelau it will happen ke manuia ki tatou ite alofa o te Atua

[itchybluepen]

2/2

Being able to speak our minds opens up new conversations, yes, some of them are hard to hear. But it is the ones that are the hardest to hear that bring about healing and change.

Everyone keeps bringing up people moving back to Olohega, no where in the video does anyone say that.  What they say is that they would like to be able to RETURN TO VISIT. Do you not hear the sadnes in the Elders voices?

Yes, I too would love to hear the Jennings side of the story, every coin has two sides

[ThaNook64]

1/2 To itchybluepen

May I make a humble suggestion that may/may not be of help?

I was dumbfounded by some of the many outrageous, un-sustained, unsupported, and to some extent hyperbole comments posted. When viewing all comments it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out who has built their arguments on cement and who has built theirs on sand. As one person put appalled, which might be the better term?

[ThaNook64]

2/2 To itchybluepen

I have a reading that MAY interest you, the first one more so than the second.

Readings that have somewhat assisted me and I hope you too find (to a degree) comfort in.

1-Proverbs 23:9

2-Ephesians 4:26-27

[ThaNook64]

3/3

What does our history tell us- Man suffers in the presence of greed? Greed is pointless? History will forever repeat itself? To some extent all questions seem arguable however one defining point does not. The fact that they did not succeed is not what defines these people. It is the cost to which they have incurred for their wrong doings. HISTORY IS OUR NAME; HISTORY IS THE LEGACY YOU LEFT BEHIND FOR OTHERS TO REMEMBER YOU BY

[ThaNook64]

2/3

The world we live in is a world scared of war. Greed tainted man in all history from the creation of Adam to today. The German invasion, Japanese invasion, even Iraqs invasion in Kuwait just to name a few. Alexander The Great to Adolf Hitler in more recent times. All tried to stake claims of others land and take advantage of the indigenousness people. A common trend throughout history that can be found all over the world

[ThaNook64]

1/3

I am a Tokelau, son of Olohega and brother of the Jennings, we are carved from the stone of our fathers. Do not get me wrong, we are one in the same. I do not sit on the fence as fences create boundries. Life is short. I hope and pray for the changes our fathers could not make. I hope to see this with in my life time. When I die, I can take nothing with me to my grave.

[mrtamavai]

Thank you hawaiiana24. You hit the spot. God bless Olohega and the rest of tokelau.

[hawaiiana24]

11/11

The US will never give up Swains Island, the island is already in good hands. God bless the USA and many blessings to the future of Olosega and Tokelau.

[loveoneanother25]

God Bless You hawaiiana24. You said what many of us have probably wanted to say and you put it so eloquently! You should be proud of yourself. Aloha Lahi!

[hawaiiana24]

10/11

That is why the US today is a good parent; She will FIGHT and stand REGARDLESS for Her lands like any great mother would do for her children. Good parents equal good children; a healthy family, a strong nation.

[hawaiiana24]

9/11

Opeta Faraimo even mentions that Tokelau is the only tiny little rubbish floating in the ocean (clip 1/3)(0:33). Opetaia Foai of Te Vaka should have rephrased his song Haloa Olohega to Haloa Tokelau.

[itchybluepen]

Tulou hawaiiana24,

The clip "Tokelau is the only tiny little rubbish floating in the ocean" is in reference that America is so much larger then Tokelau, not that Tokelau it's self is rubbish.....please don't take things out of context.

[hawaiiana24]

8/11

Capt. Wally has a point, the Tokelau Islands should think about becoming a US territory. NZ doesnt want Tokelau, Field, Michael Tokelau forced into the cold by NZ diplomats web. 31 Aug. 2007; does that mean NZ has interest into claiming Olosega? NZ already knows that Tokelau cannot stand alone in this era: education, financial aid, health, limited natural resources, protection/war and so forth. How sad is it for a mother to tell her children to leave who cant help themselves?

[hawaiiana24]

7/11

Keep family issues personal, work together as a family- agree together, agree to disagree, compromise, COMMUNICATE with the trusted and elected leader of Swains Island- chain of command, just like any proper traditional family and hierarchy system in Polynesia.

[hawaiiana24]

6/11

Whats a total shame is that both Jennings and Pedro clans are blood relatives. Nathan claims in (clip 3/3)(5:58) that he walks, livebreathe Tokelauan, but is it Tokelauan/Polynesian to spill out family affairs with the public? Do you think our Tokelauan/Polynesian ancestors solved problems in that same matter?

[hawaiiana24]

5/11

Were Nathan and Betty born or mature enough to remember that eviction period in the 1950s? How come they told the story instead of the elders? Have these people requested to move back to Swains in the recent years? WHY NOT? I would like to see a documentary of the Tokelauans who enjoy being under the US flag, and a documentary of the Jennings side of the story.

[itchybluepen]

1/2

Tulou lava hawaiiana24,

History is history, facts are facts. You can not dispute that the Eviction Period did not exist. The Elders did speak on the Evicition....maybe you should re-watch the video? Dr.Betty Ickes has done extensive research on this topic traveling to Tokelau, New Zealand, Samoa. Why are you so upset that she and Nathan were interviewed? Alex Jennings was given the opportunity for an interview... we heard what he had to say....much of nothing.....

[TheGrasshut]

Alex didn't say much because he wants to keep it on a professional level. He also invited ANYONE that has any questions to call his office and he'll answer any questions they have. He doesn't need all this media attention to prove his families rights to Swains Island!

[jedijudah]

So you say...I think however, being a first generation New Zealand born Tokelau, and being installed with differing values to that of my parents and tupuna before me, I, like many others have this yearning worse than an itch to fund the truth...truth on many levels of this sensitive case...and the groundwork has begun....so watch this space.....

[jedijudah]

And you must his P.A?

[TheGrasshut]

Well if you must knowI am a Tokelau, just like you, but better..

I am a Jennings, descendant to Eli, standing tall and proud to have his blood running through my veins and I will carry it on to my childrenwe are a strong family, a family of many backgrounds and a family of truth!

We are not selfish, but protective of the islandfrom all the greedy thieves that try to come to Swains!

[TheGrasshut]

If Betty and Nathan want to talk the truth, they should start with themselves! Betty and Nathan know what this is about, but of course, theyre not going to tell you that!

I see so many complaints about Swains Island being under the American flag, but I havent seen ANY of them hand over their American citizenship!! Instead of bad-talking my family, they should be grateful! Had it not been for that American flag, they and many others would not have the American status they carry today!

[TheGrasshut]

God blessed Eli and his children after him with the strength and knowledge to bring Swains to where it is today. If it wasnt meant to be, God would have never brought Eli to her shores!

Swains is healthy, Swains is Jennings!

Comment all you want, itch and fund all you can, but Eli paid his dues and I will stand with my family and our rights to Swains!

[jedijudah]

FYI...some of us don't particularly have an interest for Nathan or Betty's interests...but thankyou for the concern...their "va" lies where it does... as for U.S citizenship, what a mistake that was...but in due time, hopefully rectified.

[lilestower]

The Olohegans don't have American citizenship like the rest of American Samoa. And why should they hand it over as they don't get anything in return for it?

[jedijudah]

Hah! "I am a Tokelau, just like you, but better..." Bloody Ignorance! Do you have any Idea how

many descendants there are out there...who would stone a fool for such a rubbish claim? I have never felt so disgusted as i now do for, having never met face to face the greater extent of the kaiga...it's only now, that some, perhaps such as yourself, should be fortunate!

Oh, to pass on ignorance, easier than the truth.

[MystereRochas]

If u have no particular interest in N/Bs interests< Why commented on Clip2 that youre not siding with the so called Jennings family who currently live there. No particular interest = u r just as greedy and a manipulator? HAHAHA Koe ehe taulia and no wonder! Why always commenting with just to clear the air cos the air is clear just stop taking that crap youre on.

[MystereRochas]

Learn from TheGrasshut, stand tall, be proud of your ancestors and for being a Tokelau - they made you who you are today! Open your eyes, use your brain to see the disrespect shown and ill words directed at the Jennings due to the stupidity others. Is that your faka-Tokelau and yet youre disgusted and would stone a Tokelau for showing pride in their IDs by defending their kaiga and being a Tokelau? How dare you? Please have your head examined-you sounded really stupid and unwell!

[MystereRochas]

Ahhh youre the alou that popped out of the fakafoa! Thats right fakafoa is spelt with n F u. May be that explained your itch u r riddled with fakafoa. O fakafoa la iena na faka kahoa ai koe ni. Man stop contradicting yourself and wheres that Tokelau way you once mentioned? Io, only fools like you who pretends!

[hawaiiana24]

4/11

You can own and live off the land in American Samoa and Tokelau but not in Hawaii- Hawaii lives heavily on a monetary system more than American Samoa and Tokelau.

[hawaiiana24]

3/11

 He also mentioned that these Islanders come from a society where they grow foodland to grow crops to live on (clip 2/3)(2:37). Instead of staying in Tutuila or moving to the other Tokelau Islands where you can live off the land, his family moved to Hawaii because it was a better choicemore opportunity, own properties (clip 2/3)(3:13).

[hawaiiana24]

2/11

Nathan mentions that when the evicted people came to American Samoa (Tutuila), it was difficult for them to be introduced to a monetary system (clip 2/3)(2:50), yet prior to the eviction from Swains the people complained about the pay????? (clip 2/3)(1:05).

[hawaiiana24]

1/11

Hawaii was ILLEGALLY taken over by the US- will the US give up Hawaii to become an independent nation? Swains Island was LEGALLY bought by the Jennings, annexed under the US flag in good common spirits- do you think the US is really going to give up Olosega?

[NathanPedroTu4F]

3 of 5

Frustration at his or her lack of knowledge on the issue(s); or just plain mean-spiritied. In politics, this is called "smear campaigning" it does little or at all further the public's understanding of the subject matter at hand. The same contributor also launched such an "ad hominen" attack on renowned Tokelau scholar Dr. Judith Huntsman stating that a "Pacific Island Scholar told him that Dr. Judith Huntsmans TOKELAU was written by a New Zealander for the New Zealand Tokelauans."

[NathanPedroTu4F]

Part 1 of 5

Sourced from Historian Dr Betty Ickes

SwainsCaptainWally

Im appalled at your comments; theyre really baseless with generalized referencing sources. I'm glad someone wrote that the sources you cited dont support your statements (which are wild, disorganized, unsubstantiated, and angry). Following my 16-part series, your comments became personal attacks. Regrettably, I had expected much more professionalism from you.

[NathanPedroTu4F]

Part 2 of 5

Logic 101

Attacking the other SPEAKER is called an "AD HOMINEN" response; this is usually done in an effort to detract from the subject matter at hand (as was done by an earlier contributor). "AD HOMINEN" attacks (such as Nathan Pedro and Betty Pedro have never been to Swains Island) offer only premises false or true that do not have a logical conclusion. Ad hominen attacks usually result from the attacker's frustration.

[NathanPedroTu4B]

Part 4 of 5

The same contributor urged the readers to "read the American version." First of all, Dr. Judith Huntsman is very much an American who lives in New Zealand, and secondly, so what if she was "a New Zealander?" One of the most interesting early histories of the United States was written by a Frenchmen (Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America 1835).

Unfortunately this type of colonial arrogant behaviour is still alive and well, even in the 21st century.

[NathanPedroTu4B]

Part 5 of 5

Im asking for well researched data and/or historical archived documentations, and proof of deed within the context of Olohega; these should substantiate your familys private claim. Im convinced these will consequently further our readers understanding (I included) and shed more light on the subject matter. Can we dialogue civilly?

Blessings,

Nathan Pedro Tu4

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

I hope my comments on Swains Island History and the Jennings family and the true Swains Islanders was informative. I will be signing off on this website due to my comitment to Olosega as a sea captain. Soifua and God Bless.

[vinmysta5]

OK wally,Im offended by your comment in regards to 2 failed efforts!youre the only wally that finds peoples effort funny my friend,I appreciate all the knowledge and wisdom others have shared,But there is the lunatic's comment post by a wally.Olohega's 3 sisters are doing well,they have their people,Olohega screamin out for her children,and her children screaming for her,spose u find that funny too you wally,tulou ki oku uho ma tuafafine,he lava te onohai kiteia manu!!!give her soul back..sad

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

American Samoa Government has been discussing economic trade between Swains Island, American Samoa and Tokelau recently and I see positive results in the near future with the Swains Rep. Alex Jennings and the Ulu of Tokelau.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

Funny, the Tokelauans do not want to be independent on the 2 failed referundums only the actiivists that do not live on Fakaofu, Atafu and Nukunonu atolls. Thats real funny.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

2006 Top Secret NZ Govt to sell Tokelau for a dollar to Samoa if the referundum goes the wrong way. Tokelau ask the United States to extend its sovereinty over the 3 atolls and then you can call it TuFa. I don't know if the Samoan Chiefs would go for it. Just a thought.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

In 2006 Top secret NZ Govt Plan to sell Tokelau to Samoa for a dollar if the Tokelau referundum goe the wrong way. It might be a good idea for Tokelau to ask the United States to extend its soveringty over the 3 atolls, then you can call the the atolls TuFa. I do not know if the American Samoan High Chiefs would go for it. Just a thought.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

In regards to Swains Island Onwnership.

Treaty of Tokelau / Treaty of Tokehega were signed. The signatories that signed where Tokelauan school teachers / educators. They knew what they were signing. The Treaties were written in Tokelaun and english.  This issue went to the United Nations and what international court will hear it. Only God owns Swains Island (Olosega) and he is the judge.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

After reading Judith Huntsman Tokelau, its sad that she did not come to Swains Island (Olosega) in the 1970's to talk and record Swains oral and documented History while some of the elders in Olosega were still living.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

In 2000 I recieved a letter from Robert Kiste, Universtiy of Hawaii Director regarding a thesis on Locating Olohega in the history of Tokelau. His comment was everyone attending the seminar was aware that there are other sides to Swains Island History concerning my rebuttle.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

Contact the American Samoa Archives Record on the court proceeding and outcome on the 1953 eviction.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

Contact the Swains Island Delegate Representative Alexander Eli Jennings at the Legislative Building in American Samoa. His office will give you sailing dates of the Government vessel "MV SILI" that sails to Manu'a and Swains Island.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

Want to know more about the Jennings family legacy. Read "Samoa's Forgotten Whaling Heritage" 1842-1878. It mentions the Tokelau Islands were not inhabited in earlier times according to some of the ships logs. Also "We, the Navigators" by David Lewis.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

There is 14 different blood line flowing in the true Swains Islanders from the past 100 years of intermarriages on the island.

From Solomon Islanders, Samoan, Tuvaluan, Tongan, Tokelau, Euorpean, American, Manu'a, Rarotongan, etc. Swains Island was a melting pot during the copra days.

[mrtamavai]

Everyone seems to go back the eviction in 1953. Can someone show or tell me where this document is at. It seems like people are starting to dig up old bones and others are giving attitude. Well to my knowledge it seems like some of you have personal issues between each other. But I know you all are related and I mean blood related. Please can I see that document or lead me the way to find it.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

The Jennings family has never stopped any of the true Swains Island families, their decendants and children from visiting / returning to Olosega. The family is cautious about what is brought into the island and to protect the history. Lot of family records, dishes, antiques were stolen from the island and ended up in Tokelau.

[itchybluepen]

SwainsCaptainWally,

How do I go about visiting Olohega? Do I need to produce a birth cirtificate with names and dates? Or deat cirtificates with names and date?

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

In all my sea travels in Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia, I have seen 100's of atolls like Olosega (Swains Island) and discovered Islands like Fiji, Samoa have districts, villages named after Olosega. Cook Islands Oresenga Fiji Olesenga, Samoa Olosega, Tokelau Olohega due to their H-K alphabet.

[MrHawaiianboi]

Alot of tokelauan here in the USA birth certificate say they where born on Swains island just so they can come to the US

[NathanPedroTu4]

Part 1 of 2

CaptainWallySwains,

I wasnt born there, though your claim that Ive never been to Olohega is groundless, inaccurate and false. In 1989 I assisted in the burying of one of your family members in Olohega. I and a cousin skippered the dingy that transported the funeral procession from the ship to shore.  If you remembered correctly, the coffin almost fell in the ocean as it was transported from the ship to the dingy. You were there.

[NathanPedroTu4]

Part 2 of 2

This is not a forum for personal attacks, but rather a dialogue on academic research and historical relevance. I ask for constructive research grounded on historical data and archived documentation within the context of Olohega. Is that too much to ask for?

Alofa atu kite kaiga.

Nathan Pedro Tu4

[itchybluepen]

Tulou SwainsCaptinWally,

I am a decendant of Olohega although I was not born there. I dream of the day that I can return to the land that my Father so loving spoke of.....

I admit that I do not know who to speak with concerning visiting the island. Is it you that I request permission to visit Olohega? Or is it the Samoan Gov. or the American Gov.?

I would like to pay my respects to my ancestors that are burried on Olohega.

Please, will you let me know who I need to speak with?

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

Look at a nautical chart of the South Pacific Ocean and you will see Olosega (Swains Island) 100 nm from the nearest Tokelau atoll (Fakaofu). The other 3 atolls are very close to each other. Climb a coconut tree in Nukunonou and you can see Fakaofu on a clear day. Olosega stands TuTasi.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

Nathan & Betty Pedro (aka Sitigata) were not born on or have ever been on Olosega. Their parents were not born on Swains Island according to document records of birth certificates files in Swains Island. Yet they enjoy the prevlidges of being US Nationals. More to follow.

[denielle4eva]

Talofa Swains Captain,

Yes, this is true, but their youngest brother (my father) Patrick spent most of his time on the island of Olohega, as did their father (my grandfather) who, according to his birth certificate, states that he was born in Swains Islands.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

When I did my research 30 yrs ago about Poynesian Navigation, I met a Pacific Island Historian from NZ who said that Judith Hunstsman Tokelau was written by a NZ for other NZ Tokelauns to read. Review the American versions keep an open mind.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

The question is "WHO WERE THE ORIGINGAL SETTLERS / COLONIST ON OLOSEGA BEFORE THE TOKELAUAN SETTLED ON THE ATOLLS?' The older people of Manu' a have many stories/ Songs handed down about the Samoans living on Olosega mamau and claim the atoll as theirs.

[NathanPedroTu4]

Malo ni

We have a group page Give our island Olohega back on facebook. We are committed to providing a forum with links to independent information that you can formulate your own views on this cause. All are welcome.

Search Olohega in facebook and you will find us feel free to join as a member:

Ke Manuia

Nathan Pedro Tu4

[NathanPedroTu4]

Part 1 of 16

Malo Ni

To the discussion thus far in the interest of clarifying the historical record here is a comprehensive researched response. Sourced from Historian Dr Betty Ickes. Ask the individuals the truth as to why they were evicted from Swains Island in 1953

The historical record, spoken and written, do not support the assertion that the Jennings family as stewarts(sic) of the Island gave Polynesian islanders a better life to this day.

[NathanPedroTu4]

Part 2 of 16

The reports of abusive labor practices of Eli Alexander Jennings and human rights violations he and his management inflicted on the Tokelauans of Olohega—many his own relatives, some from Fakaofo, Atafu and Nukunonu and others born on Olohega—are not just the stories of the evicted Elders presented in Tagata Pasifikas Olohega (2009) documentary.

[NathanPedroTu4B]

Part 3 of 16

These reports are supported by the government records of the newly-installed civilian government of American Samoa and can be found in the microfilm collection of the UH Manoas Hamilton Library. In 1953, the Swains Island Investigative Commission headed by American Samoas Attorney General and comprised of members from the Fono was sent by the acting governor to investigate the complaints stated in the petition sent to the Attorney General by the people of Olohega.

[NathanPedroTu4B]

Part 4 of 16

The Commission interviewed nearly all of the adults on Olohega at the time; they found that the plantation proprietor had indeed violated basic human rights protected under the U.S. Constitution. The Commission also concluded that Jennings self-proclaimed Matai system was not consistent with Samoan traditional village governance.

[NathanPedroTu4B]

Part 5 of 16

Among the abuses the Commission cited were 1) compulsory labor, 2) the issuance of store credit in lieu of wages, 3) the withholding of formal political representation, and 4) the arbitrary evictions of Olohega residents without due process of law. Indeed, the American Samoa Fono and the incoming civilian Governor Richard B. Lowe were so concerned with the situation on Olohega that, ...

[NathanPedroTu4C]

Part 6 of 16

...with the approval of the U.S. Department of Interior, issued Executive Order 1-53 which established a local government with an official government representative on Olohega to protect the rights of the people from Jennings arbitrary and tyrannical rule (Richard B. Lowe, Pageant Press, 1967, p. 42).

[NathanPedroTu4C]

Part 7 of 16

The same Executive Order also established the position of the Swains Island Faipule as a representative of the people of Olohega in the American Samoa Fono--a position that has been mostly monopolized by inner-circle Jennings descendants who draw an annual salary of over U.S. $20,000 to represent a population that curiously was found by visitors in 2003 to consist of 2 adults from Tuvalu and their 2 children (report of crewmembers of the Evohe, 2003).

[NathanPedroTu4C]

Part 8 of 16

It is colonial arrogance to assert that the descendants of Olohega enjoy this life as being United States National Citizens. The truth is, the evicted Elders who resisted and protested the oppressive rule of the Jennings stewarts(sic) in 1953 struggled and paid dearly to bring the protections of the U.S. Constitution to the people of Olohega who remained and who had now lived under the U.S. flag since their islands' annexation in 1925.

[NathanPedroTu4C]

Part 9 of 16

On Tokelaus presence in Olohega

Tokelau peoples presence on Olohega before the entry of Europeans is well established and recognized in the oral histories of Tokelau and its neighbors-- Tuvalu (formerly the Ellice Islands) and Samoa --in the Pacific. Some are reflected in MacGregors Ethnology of Tokelau (Bishop Museum Press 1937) cited by an earlier contributor. Incidentally, MacGregor cites Mika, an elderly native in Atafu as the source of most of his information.

[NathanPedroTu4D]

Part 10 of 16

Here is what MacGregor wrote on the People of Tokelau.

According to existing traditions the Tokelau Islands have been populated by two groups of people. The earlier people appear to have lived only on Atafu, Nukunono, and Olosenga Islands . All of this group, except a small number at Nukunono, were driven from their islands by a people who settled at Fakaofu(sic).

[NathanPedroTu4D]

Part 11 of 16

This later people conquered the entire group over a long period of years and absorbed the remnant group of earlier people of Nukunono. Only the briefest recollection and tradition remains concerning the earlier population. They are believed by the present natives to have been a larger and taller people than themselves, but to have possessed a similar culture and language.

[NathanPedroTu4D]

Part 12 of 16

The names of the earlier people and places are familiar Polynesian words: Malaelua, Lehotu, Atahumea (their name for Atafu), Pipi, Hekei, Maho, Nonu, and Letele. A surviving legend of the early people states that the first human couple were named Pipi, a man, and Hekei, a woman, who lived at Nukunono. The first high chief of this island was Talahao, whose name became the title of all the high chiefs who succeeded him (MacGregor 1937, p. 12).

[NathanPedroTu4D]

Part 13 of 16

Linguistically, the names of the earlier people and places noted by MacGregor do not appear to be Samoan in origin and he does not say these people were from Samoa. Given the proximity of Olohega to Samoa, there very well could have been Samoans on Olohega at any time. Perhaps Prof David Addisons current archaeological digs in Tokelau will yield some clues in the near future. Nevertheless, by the 19th century, there is evidence that Samoas traditional authority did ...

[NathanPedroTu4F]

Part 14 of 16

...recognize Tokelaus authority over Olohega. MacGregor reports from the notes of the U.S. Exploring Expedition, the Wilkes Expedition found that the people of Nukufetai in the Ellice Islands were well acquainted with the Tokelau Islands and named all four islands including Olosenga [Olohega] (Swains Islands) (MacGregor 1937 p. 28). Samoan oral history shows that Samoan traditional authority recognized Tokelaus authority over Olohega.

[NathanPedroTu4F]

Part 15 of 16

In 1887, when Malietoa Laupepa was banished by the German administration in occupied-Samoa, Malietoa wished to spend his exile in nearby Olohega. In recognition of Tokelaus authority over Olohega, the Malietoas ship pulled in to Fakaofo to first ask the permission of the Fakaofo Aliki. The banishment is retold by J.W. Davidson in Davidson and Scarr, Eds. 1976, p. 267-300; and the detour to Tokelau was reprinted in the Samoa Times 2002.

[NathanPedroTu4F]

Part 16

MacGregor on Tokelau geography

The Tokelau or Union Islands comprise four reef-surrounded atolls lying on general northwest-southwest line bet lat. 8 degrees and 11 degrees S and long 171 degrees and 173 degrees W They are due N of Samoa and E of Ellice Islands .The four islands are: Olosenga [Olohega] or Swains Island once known as QuirosIsland; Fakaofu or Bowditch Island: Nukunono(sic) or Duke of Clarence Island and Atafu or Duke of York Island (MacGregor1937p. 5)

[momishells]

Aloha! My grandfather (Hawaiian) was adopted (in those days it was called "hanai" ) buy a man from Tokelau..he took on his last name of which my family still goes by. Mahalo for sharing this information.

I hope you get your island back...and I hope the same for my islands too...keep up the fight.

Mahalo

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

Read Judith Huntsman Tokelau and you will find lot of field notes and documents were based on Gordon McGregor and Edwin Bryan curator of Bishop Museum in the 1900's in Tokelau. They recorded Taupe last Aliki from Tokelau memoirs of huge sailing double canoes from Samoa.

[christianrhyme]

I don't understand how referencing Judith Huntsman supports your claim of "Olohega not belonging to Tokelau"

Judith Huntsman's research of Tokelau/ans spans over 20yrs, and she did use many other sources you know -stories and data need to be corroborated before you can weigh in on the facts. FYI See pg 335

"...despite continuing assertions to the contrary, it is certain that some Tokelau people where always there when foreigners arrived, and though many left some always remained..."

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

The Polynesian name for Swains Island is Olosega mamau, Olosenga in Manu'a is pronounced Olosega latalata mai by the Samoan people from Manu'a in the 13century. 2 atolls make up the 7 islands of American Samoa. Olosega and Nuu-o-Manu.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

Ask Uea Pedro that was on the TVNZ talk show why he and his family were evicted. I hate to dig up old bones. The court case on the other families are in the American samoa government record archives, that is open to the public.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

Olosega (Swains Island) History. A shrine on Olosega is called "Tupua" a Samoan word for Alii. It was erected by the early Samoan colonist / settlers 1000 yrs ago way before the Tokelauan race settle Northern Tokelau atolls. Research Bishop Museum, NZ and Australian Archives on the migration and settlement of the Pacific Islands. A slab of coral known as Tui Tokelau is located in Fakaofu. Why was there 2 Tui's known in Tokelau as Tui Olosega and Tui Tokelau?

[christianrhyme]

E aloha kina fanau pe ni uho I Hawaii mate latou tagi, kae e aloha foki ki te kaiga-Jennings therefore my stance is somewhat neutral on reclaiming Olohega; however having said this I have this to say:

Fact is: Olohega is geographically, historically and culturally a part of Tokelau

Tokelau A Historical Ethnography/Judith Huntsman and Antony Hooper and Matagi Tokelau contradicts your/Gordon Macgregor's claim.

[christianrhyme]

Where did the people of Tokelau originate from???

The tupuas on Atafu and Nukunonu were destroyed by missionaries (thank God!), but polynesian settlers in Tikopia/Solomon Islands have knowledge of a Tui Atafu - passed down from ancesters.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

Research and read "Ethnology of Tokelau" by anthropologist Gordon McGregor. It states that Olosega was not recognized by the Tokelau people as being part of Tokelau and the people living in Olosega were not Tokelauans. The early polynesians that settled and colonized Olosega were people from Samoa, Manu'a Olosega.

[SwainsCaptainWally]

Talofa:

Olosega (Swains Island) Ownership. Only God owns Olosega, he created the atoll in the dawn of time. The Jennings family were stewarts of the Island for the past 170 years. They brought in polynesian islanders from all over the Pacific region to work the copra plantation and gave them a better life to this day. Their descendants enjoy this life as being United States National Citizens. Ask the individuals the truth as why they were evicted from Swains Island in 1953?

[MrHawaiianboi]

You go Captain tell it like it is

[loveoneanother25]

I would love to hear the real reason why the citizens were evicted from Swains Island in 1953.

[mrtamavai]

Olohega private owner or not then why does it seems that everyone tend to say jennings are at fault for not able to visit Olohega. Tokelau wants Olohega then do the right thing but leave the jennings name out of it.

[mrtamavai]

Ok. The newer generation does not know much but let me tell you. My own family is doing research and I can say I know who I am and were my four fathers come from. You say jennings can not return Olohega, If on paper Jennings has some ownership to Olohega then you do need them. Yes Olohega belong to the Tokelau people but its your stupidity that you cant visit Olohega.Dont let any tell you, you cant go. Your kaiga is there then you have every right to go there.

[NathanPedroTu4]

Part 1 of 3

Malo Ni

Appreciate all the discussions thus far posted on You Tube. Here is my position and contribution to the discussion. In regards to documented research on Olohega that encompasses a Tokelau perspective, here is a summary of some of the issues discussed concerning communal ownership vs. private ownership

[NathanPedroTu4]

Part 2 of 3

Olohega's history as part of Tokelau's fenua fakamua (communal lands) long precedes the presence of Europeans in the islands. Fenua fakamua, like the Maori's concept of tukuwhenua does not recognize the practice of individual ownership...such lands can be used by the people of Tokelau at the permission and oversight of the council of Aliki (Chief) and Faipule (Representatives), but cannot be alienated to anyone foreigners or Tokelauans alike.

[NathanPedroTu4]

Part 3 of 3

The concept, practice and institution of fenua fakamua is an ancient one that promotes sustainability of the islands' resources and thus the people. On the basis of Tokelau aganuku (culture) neither a Tokelau nor a non-Tokelau puikaiga (family clan) have authority in the matter, Tokelau's claim supersedes any argument of private ownership.

Lets continue to engage in healthy dialogue.

Blessings

Nathan Pedro

[itchybluepen]

Tulou, Tulou lava.

It is not my intention to sound agressive towards any of my Tokelau brothers or sisters.

I pray for reconcilliation between America, American Samoa, the Jennings Kaiga, our Elders, our Future Generations and all of Tokelau.

We can not undo the past, but we can work toward making the future of our Islands stronger.

Being able to travel to Olohega, the land of my ancestors, just to visit their graves....this is what I want...it is what my heart yearns for

[mrtamavai]

Olohega belong to every Tokelau. What I am trying to understand is now there are hardly any old generations and people are asking the Jennings family to come and be one and give Olohega back. To my understanding the Jennings clan that are left are the new generation and they dont know much. So why no one ask when the older generation was around.

[ThaNook64]

To mrtamavai- Olohega is politically a US territory, Jennings alone can not return Tokelaus homeland. Tokelauans (in their own way) have been fighting for the return long before you and I, as you say, Jennings new generation and they DONT KNOW MUCH. Rest assure, the misrepresentation that Olohega was purchased was also built on not much. To believe this is the first call for the return is to believe you were born yesterday.

Kind Regards

[wagawaga1406]

I fully support the notion that Olohega needs to be handed back to Tokelau but I think the movement is lacking in strategic planning. Now that the word is out there and more people are now aware, we are left with the question "where to from here?".

My fear is that Olohega being a "hot topic" for now and then support dwindling as time goes on.

My plea is to those who have the academia, skills or means to do something... DO IT NOW! I know many like myself who will stand beside you 100%

[MrHawaiianboi]

The Jennings family is not stoping you from going to Olohega im a Jennings and I am not stoping you its the fia Jennings that are stoping you

[MrHawaiianboi]

Olohega belongs to the Jennings and there is nothing Tokelau can do.

[itchybluepen]

My heart yearns for Olohega. I am a decendant of Olohega, Swains Island. It is my God given right to step on Her shores. Fakamakeke Tokelau! May the Lord bless us with Her return! Haloa Olohega, we love you!