BYU–Hawaii students say they gained mentorship, cultural connection and research experience at the three-day event
The Tongan Research Association Conference brought together scholars and students from across the United States, New Zealand, Australia and Tonga on Oct. 30 to Nov 1 for three days of cultural exchange and academic discussion at the College of San Mateo in California. Five BYU–Hawaii students and three faculty members were invited to attend the event.
The meaning of diaspora
BYU–Hawaii students and faculty said the conference featured kava ceremonies, talanoa circles, dance performances and cultural attire alongside research presentations and discussions. This year’s theme, according to the participants, was “Lulu‘i ‘a e fonua,” translating to “Shake the land.” Inoke Hafoka, assistant professor of Pacific studies from Utah and of Tongan descent, attended the conference as a faculty mentor and said he interpreted the theme as an invitation to think about diaspora and the movement of Tongan people away from Tonga.
Hafoka said one of his main highlights was watching the five students build connections and grow throughout the event. “My role there was mentorship and allowing the students to see and answer questions of what goes on at a conference,” he said.
Diaspora, Hafoka said, was one of the major themes emphasized during the gathering. He said it was meaningful for the students to interact with other Tongans and Pacific Islanders without needing to provide background context. “I think it was nice for the students to say we can speak in our native tongue without providing any context because everyone had a general idea,” he said. He added he enjoyed watching the students present their research, network and gain new confidence.
Hafoka said research conferences for Pacific Islanders and Tongans play an important role in showcasing diverse work across disciplines. “Even though we may not fully understand some of the things because it’s a whole different realm, it’s cool to see, for example, a Tongan doing something in STEM that someone like myself might not fully understand,” he said
Learning from Pacific scholars
Ashton Finau, a senior majoring in political science and Pacific studies from Tonga, shared he presented a research paper on migration and diaspora. He said he gained insight into a wide range of perspectives, including the benefits of more Tongan representation and the challenges that come with more people leaving Tonga. “It was interesting to hear different people’s opinions, especially scholars, because it helped my research,” he said.
One of Finau’s highlights was learning more about the Kakala research framework, a methodology that uses lei making as a metaphor for the research process. He said it was meaningful to see scholars from prestigious institutions using the same methods he studies at BYU–Hawaii. “I feel like the connection between what we have learned over here and what they use out there in the Pacific is the same,” he said.
Finau said he interpreted the conference theme as scholars and students coming together to share research. “We share our ideas, we share our own research, in order to help develop our research, but also how we can help and develop our own country back home in Tonga,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend the conference, adding that being surrounded by scholars, especially those with doctorates in Pacific studies, empowered and motivated him to continue his research.
The future of Tonga
Emalata Ikani Talanoa, a senior in political science and Pacific studies from Tonga, said she found the conference encouraging because she saw many Pasifika scholars, including numerous Tongans who hold Ph.D.s. Seeing them, she said, motivated her to continue her research on Tonga and pursue a master’s degree in Pacific studies. “It’s encouraging because there is so much more that needs to be written down for future generations,” she said.
Talanoa said she presented a research paper focused on breaking barriers, empowering women in Tonga and highlighting Tongan women’s roles in political leadership. She noted that few women are elected to Parliament in Tonga, and when they are, they often serve in only a limited number of roles.
Talanoa said she was asked for her perspective on brain drain, defined as the emigration of educated people from a country. She said brain drain can be both a loss and a gain because educated people often leave Tonga to seek resources that are not available at home. Talanoa shared she previously worked in the government in Tonga but had to leave. While some may view her leaving as part of the brain drain, she said she sees it differently. “I’m learning from the resources at BYU–Hawaii that Tonga doesn’t have because our resources are so limited,” she said. “With the learning that I have here, I’ll be able to take it home to benefit my community and my country in the end.”
Talanoa said her biggest takeaway from the conference was the importance of surrounding herself with people who encourage her to pursue her goals. She said the faculty members who attended with the students introduced them to new contacts and networking opportunities. She echoed something Hafoka shared: “Oftentimes, when we’re in a foreign land, we’re pressured to choose between the cultures which one to practice. But we don’t have to make a choice. We can embrace both.”