Where are our Pasifika writers?

2 July 2016

Writers are at the forefront of social and cultural change. They are the ones who ask the difficult questions, open our minds to new ideas and highlight unheard voices. Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Luamanuvao Winnie Laban and the International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML) held a talanoa recently to explore the challenges faced by Pasifika writers and how they can be supported so they can achieve the most impact with their creative work.

IIML director Damien Wilkins says there is a need for more Pasifika creators and he wanted to hear directly from established and upcoming writers on how this can be facilitated.

Emeritus Professor and Victoria alumnus Maualaivao Albert Wendt presented a moving keynote address about the struggles and responsibilities of artists to lead discussions about identity and one’s place in the world.

He expressed gratitude for the previous generation of pioneering writers who created and published against structural barriers.

Many of those at the talanoa acknowledged the Emeritus Professor as their source of inspiration and motivation to write against all odds, as they exchanged experiences, insights and their perspectives on the challenges and way forward for Pasifika writers.

The main challenges faced were convincing publishers of their marketability and finding time to write, as well as financially supporting their family. IIML alumni expressed their gratitude to their teachers who were able to see the literary and cultural importance of their work.

Prominent writers such as Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh, Victor Rodger and Karlo Mila also shared their insights of what it meant to be Pasifika and a writer. Writer Oscar Kightley emphasised the need to “broadcast to Pasifika that you are welcome here, and you will find connection here”.

The day reflected what Damien opened the talanoa with: “What seems made to us, is always in the making.”