Empowering young Pacific voices through storytelling

Mila’s Books founder, Dahlia Malaeulu, has released a new book, Whose Your Name?, in collaboration with the Tāmaiti o le Pasifika enrichment class at Wainuiomata Intermediate School.

Malaeulu and two Year 7 students from the class, Isabella Peniata and Leviticus Togia, joined Island Time host Tofiga Fepulea'i last week to discuss the project.

“We really just thought around something as simple as our beautiful names as a starting point,” Malaelu said on the inspiration behind the book.

Malaeulu added that the “disconnect between the importance or the value of our names, our names getting mispronounced, our Tāmaiti wanting to know more about their history, their culture, their language” propelled the book forward.

The students and their Tāmaiti classmates contributed stories and illustrations, creating a book that resonates with pride, heritage, and intergenerational connections.

Both Peniata and Togia shared insights into the meaning behind their names.

“My name [Leviticus]. I would never want to change my name because it's from the third book of the Bible," Togia said.

“My name was a reference to the Levites, which was a tribe. It is special because the Levites were the only tribe that could become priests. And I feel a sense of pride carrying my name.

“The book of Leviticus is about forgiveness and acceptance,” he said.

Peniata expressed pride in the significance of her name as well.

Reading excerpts from the book, she said, “Isabella Peniata demonstrates her own form of bravery and resilience by navigating her cultural identity and the challenges of growing up.

“She manages to blend her Sāmoan heritage with her daily life, showing strength in maintaining her cultural roots while adapting to her surroundings. Impact of name. Her name is significant in a different way.

“It represents her family's cultural background and provides her with a sense of belonging and pride. It reflects her personal and familiar identity in the real world,” Peniata shared.

Malaeulu emphasised that the book does not adhere to typical genres or formats. Instead, it embraces a variety of storytelling methods.

Mila’s Books founder, Dahlia Malaeulu. Photo/Mila's Books.

“As storytellers, it’s not just one way in storytelling … we did that as part of the creative freedom of expression.”

Malaeulu emphasised that the project is more than just a book.

"It is about empowering young voices through storytelling. Our mission is to ensure our Tāmaiti are seen, heard, and valued.”

The book launch event took place at the school and attracted over 200 attendees.

“I felt proud to say I had my own book and happy to see my family supporting me,” Peniata said.

Togia shared similar sentiments, saying, “I felt nervous and excited at the same time, knowing that a book I published with my class would be all over the world”.

Malaeulu said the royalties from the book would fund future cultural projects for the school.

“Another special thing about this book is that we have royalties from the book that will always go back to this class to actually promote and to provide more cultural opportunities.

“Because we want that intergenerational knowledge to be shared and passed on because it isn't something of the past. We can use it now as an asset, as our crown, and as our superpower,” Malaeulu said.

As the book gains attention, interest has emerged from Hawai’i and the United States, underscoring the universal appeal of these stories.

“The world is hungry for our voices,” Malaeulu said.

The book is available for $20 online through Mila’s Books, local retailers, and other distribution channels.

Watch the full interview below.