In  Our Sea of Islands, Epeli Hau'ofa, outlines opposing views between the remnants of colonialism and that of the common people. For example “....matters that have taken the Pacific further and further into dependency on powerful nations...and the other level is that of ordinary people. ” (Hau'ofa, pg. 148) 

As a result, the two views conflict as a product of history. In that, one was motivated by the propagation of outside interests (e.g., Christianity); and the other, from indigenous ways of life before organized religion.  Within these two clashes of culture; Epeli Hau'ofa, also highlights how the aristocratic views from kings in Tonga had on its people for subordination, similar to that of colonial rule. 

In this ever-changing cultural landscape, I believe, Epeli Hau'ofa was trying to convey the significance of Oceanic culture and its people beyond Western terms. 

For example, he states: “ Economists do not take account of the social centrality of ancient practice of reciprocity, the core of all oceanic practices.” In those thoughts, the relationship of interdependence among its people was key to building strong communities. Furthermore, he writes with poetic justice e.g., “Conquerors come, and conquerors go, the ocean remains, mother only to her children. This mother has a big heart though; she adopts anyone who loves her.” 

And like the depths of the ocean, Hau'ofa, adds a bit of hope that we too, can take part in our humanity by taking care of the ocean, its islands, and freedoms. Upon further reflection, what has changed my view living on the island is the need for more conservation. The author highlights how the island’s land mass should not limit people’s potential; and while I agree with this sentiment, I also believe that by conserving its natural resources, it will be key to how we develop and thrive in the future.
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Hau’ofa, Epeli. “Our Sea of Islands.” The Contemporary Pacific, vol. 6, no. 1, 1994, pp. 148–161, www.jstor.org/stable/23701593 .
Photo credit: Jennifer Ko