Descendants of Rotuma’s last King gather for island's historic first reunion

In a heartfelt display of cultural pride and family unity, hundreds of descendants of Riamkau Sau II, the last King of Rotuma, gathered for their very first reunion in Fiji on Sunday.

The long-awaited event, planned since August 2024, brought together family members from across the world. The Riamkau Sau II Family Reunion 2025 is a major milestone in the history of Rotuma, a small remote island in Fiji, celebrated for its unique culture and traditions.

Rotuma is a group of volcanic islands located about 650 kilometres north-northwest of the Fijian capital Suva. There are about 2000 residents on the island, with 10,000 on the mainland, and thousands more around the world.

Rotuma has been a dependency of Fiji since 1881 and was originally known as Siria, named after the bright star that shines directly above it. The people of Rotuma have a strong spiritual connection to this star.

Sunday's opening ceremony was marked with a church service, presentations on the legacy and history of the king, followed by feasting and dancing.

Sylvia Joe, head of the organising committee, says families travelled from Rotuma, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Canada, and the Solomon Islands to be part of this historic event in Suva.

Sylvia Joe, chair of the organising committee, delivers her address at the opening of the weeklong celebrations. Photo/Supplied

At the centre of the reunion is a tribute to Riamkau Sau II, who died on 2 July 1878, during a challenging time of religious conflict on the island. He is remembered as a courageous leader who played a key role in welcoming the Catholic Church to Rotuma in the 1800s.

In 1868, he generously gave land (Voilala, now known as Sumi) to two French priests, an act that helped shape the religious community on the island.

"Riamkau Sau II was more than a chief. He was a visionary leader, a man of deep faith who believed in unity through spiritual conviction," says Joe, a descendant and keynote speaker at the event. "He stood firm during a time of turmoil and left a legacy that still binds us today."

Watch as hundreds of descendants of the last king of Rotuma launch their weeklong reunion in Suva, Fiji, on Sunday.

Joe's speech drew parallels between Riamkau Sau II and Emperor Constantine of Rome, both of whom championed the right to religious freedom in their respective homelands.

Throughout the weeklong reunion, various Rotuman clans, including Mou, Eratauof, Turag, Uafta, Apao, Noperto, and Sakaria, will host cultural presentations and share stories and musical performances. The activities play a key role in passing traditions down to younger generations.

“This reunion is about more than remembering the past,” Joe says in her welcome address. “It’s about reconnecting with our roots, honouring our ancestors, and building stronger ties between all branches of our family tree.

Mou Nataniela was the eldest son of the last king of Rotuma. Photo/Supplied

"This reunion is about more than just looking back. It's a chance for us to reconnect with our roots, honour our ancestors, and strengthen our family bonds."

The event also served as a time of remembrance. Family members paid tribute to Mausio Rutofu, a cherished member of the planning committee who passed away before the reunion, and Aunty Aterana, a respected elder whose support was vital for the event's success. Attendees held a moment of silence in their honour.

The reunion's significance goes beyond its size. It symbolises a family coming together, united by their shared history and a desire to carry on the legacy of a man who greatly influenced their island.

Fiji's Miss Hibiscus Queen, Rhyelle Aisea, left, a descendant, also addressed the gathering. Photos/Facebook/SkyProFiji

As the week progresses, one message resonates among the Riamkau Sau II descendants: the importance of faith, family, and unity - values passed down from a king who hoped for peace during one of Rotuma’s most challenging times.

Now, nearly 150 years later, that dream is becoming a reality.

The celebrations end on Saturday with a Gala Night at the FMF Dome in Suva.

Photo/Supplied

Photos/Facebook/SkyProFiji