Tokelauans are a Polynesian ethnic group native to the Tokelau Islands, a territory of New Zealand. They have a rich cultural heritage and have produced several famous individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are the top 10 famous people from Tokelauans ethnic:
- Pio Terei: A well-known New Zealand comedian, actor, and television presenter of Tokelauan descent. He has appeared in numerous TV shows and films.
- Tofilau Eti Alesana: The first Prime Minister of Samoa, who was of Tokelauan descent. He played a major role in the political development of Samoa.
- St. Tofilau Apineru Lafaele: The fourth Prime Minister of Samoa and a prominent political figure. He was the leader of the Human Rights Protection Party.
- Penehuro Lefale: An influential climate change expert and advocate from Tokelau. He has been involved in numerous international climate change negotiations.
- Kiololi Tulafono: A talented Samoan-New Zealand musician and vocalist, known for his soulful voice and unique musical style.
- Jean Puketapu: A renowned New Zealand artist and sculptor of Tokelauan descent. Her work has been exhibited in various art galleries and museums.
- Selina Tusitala Marsh: A noted poet, academic, and New Zealand Poet Laureate. She has received numerous accolades for her poetry and contributions to literature.
- Halaevalu Mata’aho Ahome’e: The Queen Mother of Tonga and a prominent member of the Tongan royal family. She had Tokelauan ancestry through her mother.
- Mika: A popular New Zealand singer, songwriter, and actor of Tokelauan descent. He has released several successful albums and has been involved in various film and theater productions.
- Ioane Teitiota: A Tokelauan migrant who gained international attention for his climate change asylum claim. His case brought global focus to the plight of climate change refugees.
Most Famous Tokelauans Celebrities
Tokelau is a small Pacific island territory with a rich cultural heritage. While the population of Tokelauans is small, there are several individuals who have gained prominence in the entertainment industry. Here is a list of famous celebrities with Tokelauan roots:
- Pua Magasiva: Born in Samoa to a Tokelauan father and Samoan mother, Pua Magasiva was a well-known New Zealand actor. He gained fame for his role as the Red Ranger in the television series “Power Rangers Ninja Storm” and also appeared in other popular New Zealand shows such as “Shortland Street” and “Outrageous Fortune”. Tragically, Magasiva passed away in 2019 at the age of 38.
- Usoalii Leuluai: Usoalii Leuluai is a talented Tokelauan artist who has made a name for herself in the performing arts industry. She is known for her skills in Tokelauan dance and has represented Tokelau in various international events and festivals. Leuluai is also an advocate for cultural preservation and has worked to promote Tokelauan traditions and customs.
- Lakapi Samoa: Lakapi Samoa is a musical group formed by a group of talented musicians with Tokelauan heritage. Their music draws inspiration from traditional Tokelauan melodies and rhythms, blending them with contemporary sounds. Lakapi Samoa has played at various festivals and events, showcasing the beauty and vibrancy of Tokelauan music.
These individuals serve as inspirations for the Tokelauan community, showcasing their talent and cultural pride on the international stage. Their achievements highlight the importance of cultural representation and contribute to the preservation and promotion of Tokelauan heritage.
Discover an impressive lineup of celebrities with Tokelauans heritage in the aforementioned list. Embark on a journey to learn about their captivating cultural roots and extraordinary accomplishments. To stay well-informed about the latest celebrity happenings and stay up-to-date with renowned personalities from various spheres, don’t hesitate to explore the wealth of content available at Ancestry.com.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Tokelauans People
| Country | Demographic | Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 58,008 | 70% |
| Samoa | 16,787 | 20% |
| American Samoa | 3,634 | 4.4% |
| Tokelau | 1,499 | 1.8% |
| Australia | 906 | 1.1% |
| United States | 725 | 0.9% |
References to the Tokelauans Ethnic Group
For more information and resources on the ethnic group of Tokelauans, you can dig deeper by referring to the following:
- Tokelau Official Website: The official website of Tokelau provides a wealth of information about the culture, history, and lifestyle of Tokelauans.
- “Tokelau: A Historical Ethnography” by Judith Huntsman: This academic article offers an in-depth exploration of the history and ethnography of Tokelauans, from their arrival in the Pacific to contemporary issues they face.
- Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand – Tokelauans: Te Ara is an online encyclopedia that provides comprehensive information about various ethnic groups in New Zealand, including Tokelauans.
- “Food Consumption Patterns of Tokelauan New Zealanders: A Cross-Cultural Perspective” by Eseta Finau et al.: This research paper examines the food consumption patterns and cultural practices related to food among Tokelauans living in New Zealand.
- “The Heartbreak is Real: Tokelauans Share Tragic History Behind Migrating to New Zealand” by Michael Neilson: This news article explores the challenges and reasons behind Tokelauans’ migration to New Zealand, shedding light on their experiences and cultural significance.
That concludes the information we can provide about famous Tokelauans individuals. Thank you for reading.
