Cry of the Stolen People

Tears flowed at the opening of Cry of the Stolen People: The black Birding of the Tokelau Islands. The interactive visual installation by Tokelauan artists Zac Mateo (late), Jack Kirifi, Moses Viliamu and Matthew Peilua shares the brutal story of slave trade that took place between 1863 - 1865.

Pirate ships from Peru prowled the South Pacific, savagely taking Tokelauans from their homes. Over half of the population was taken leaving behind elderly, women and children to bear the burden of the great loss.

Even through great hardship and devastation the strength and resilience of the Tokelauan people remained strong. Their story is now on display at the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.

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