Tradition and Modernisation in Tokelau
Tradition
Tokelau: three low coral atolls
What is an atoll?
An atoll is formed from a coral reef growing on top of an undersea volcano. Sand and coral build up on the surface of the reef. The three atolls of Tokelau all have extinct volcanoes under them.
Food and water on Tokelau
Low coral atolls like Tokelau have no fresh water on the surface. Tokelauan people dug wells to the fresh water under the sand. This water is topped up by rain.
For food, Tokelauans ate coconuts, taro and breadfruit. Seafood such as fish and clams is vital. Tokelau people have a special system of sharing out food among the community. This is called inati.
Tools on Tokelau
There is no rock on Tokelau, only coral. People used shell and bone for tools.
– adapted from an article on Te Papa website https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/topic/2352
Questions
1. Traditionally, how did Tokelauan people get water? They dug wells to the fresh water under the sand. Plus they collected the rain
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2. What types of food did Tokelauan people traditionally eat? They eat coconuts, taro, breadfruit and other things such as seafood...
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3. What is the Tokelauan way of sharing out food called? It is called inati
4. Traditionally, what did Tokelauan people use to make tools? They used shell and bone for tools
Modernisation
Fact: Tokelau uses solar power (energy from the sun) to make electricity.
Image retrieved from http://www.thesolarplanner.com/financing_tax-credits.html
- Click on this link: Tokelau islands shift to solar energy
- Find the answers to these questions:
1. Who paid for Tokelau’s solar power project? New Zealand
2. Do all of Tokelau’s three atolls have solar grids? Yes
3. How did Tokelau make electricity before? Diesel for electricity
Fact: Tokelau’s solar power system is backed up on cloudy days by coconut oil fired diesel
Facts about Modernisation:
‘Tokelau's main industry is fishing but it also generates income from the use of its internet domain name as one of the countries offering free registration.’
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‘Each atoll operates an FM community radio station, carrying shipping news, weather reports and music.’
‘In Tokelau, there are several free internet cafes and some households have their own wireless internet connection.’
Questions
1. What are Tokelau’s main sources of income (getting money)?
They get money from other countries particular New Zealand.
2. In what modern ways can Tokelauan people get news? From radio stations and internet cafes.
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