(Picture caption: ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week is the fourth Pacific Language Week for 2023, taking place from July 30-August 5.)
Deepening the bonds between our Cook Islands community and their cultural traditions is the focus of this year’s ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Barbara Edmonds says our Cook Islands community share deep whakapapa ties with tangata whenua in Aotearoa, including through our indigenous languages.
“Throughout the week, our tangata Kūki ‘Āirani (Cook Islanders) are focusing on the theme of ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te au peu o tōku kāinga Ipukarea which translates in English to, Connect me to the traditions and culture of my homeland,” Minister Edmonds says.
“This is an extension of previous themes and continues to focus on bridging the feeling of disconnection experienced by our Cook Islands community here in Aotearoa.”
The theme also aligns with UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022 – 2032, which aims to highlight and support indigenous peoples’ right to preserve, revitalise, and promote their languages, she adds.
“During the week, we’re continuing to support ties between tangata Kūki ‘Āirani and their languages through cultural traditions – including song, dance, and pe’e (chants) – of their enua (island) and vaka (tribe).”
Cook Islands Language Week is being led by the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand, in association with the Religious Advisory Council New Zealand and Cook Islands Teachers and Educations Collective New Zealand.
“Kiwis across the country will have opportunity to take part in a range of events and activities, including prayer services, book launches, and the Ta’unga Kama’atu Awards that celebrate language champions,” Minister Edmonds says.
“Communities will also come together on Friday (August 4) to celebrate the Cook Islands Constitution Day, a cultural highlight of the Cook Islands calendar to mark their independence.
“I’m encouraging everyone to get involved in the festivities this week and support our Cook Islands whanaunga so their beautiful culture and language can be cherished for generations.”
Visit the MPP website for language resources and information about Cook Islands Language Week, which gets underway on July 30 and concludes on August 5.