Reflections from a descendant: Rotuma’s first royal reunion in Fiji and the path ahead

As I reflect on the inaugural reunion of the descendants of Riamkau Sau II, the last King of Rotuma, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and anticipation.

The historic gathering, held in Fiji over the past week, was more than a celebration; it was a testament to our enduring legacy and a beacon guiding us toward a vibrant future.

For many of us, this reunion was a journey of rediscovery. It was an opportunity to reconnect with family members from across the globe -from Rotuma, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Canada, and the Solomon Islands.

We gathered not just to honour our shared heritage but to reaffirm our commitment to preserving and nurturing the values instilled by our ancestors.

Riamkau Sau II's legacy is one of resilience and unity. In the face of religious upheaval in the 19th century, he welcomed the Catholic Church to Rotuma, offering land to missionaries - a gesture that influenced the island's spiritual landscape.

His leadership was not merely administrative; it was visionary, rooted in faith and a deep sense of community.

Watch Elijah Mario and Agatha Ferei's interview with Fiji One host Jonathan Kumar below.

As Sylvia Joe, a descendant and chief organiser of the reunion, says, “Riamkau Sau II stood firm during a time of turmoil and left a legacy that still binds us today”.

The week-long celebrations included a vibrant tapestry of cultural expressions. Clans such as Mou, Eratauof, Turag, Uafta, Apao, Noperto, and Sakaria shared stories, danced, and played music that resonated with the rhythms of our ancestors.

These moments were performances of living narratives, passed down through generations, ensuring that our traditions remain alive and relevant.

Young descendants of Mou, Riamkau Sau II's oldest child, celebrate his legacy in Suva. Photo/ProFiji

But as we honour our past, we must also look to the future. The reunion highlighted the importance of unity and collective effort.

It is up to us to build upon this momentum, fostering connections among Rotumans worldwide and engaging with the wider Fijian community.

Through our shared history, we construct a future that honours our heritage while embracing progress.

The path forward involves cultural preservation and community development.

Initiatives such as the Rotuma Youth Festival, which ended with plans for a multipurpose court and youth training centre, exemplify the potential for growth and empowerment within our communities.

Descendants of the late king's only daughter, Apao, celebrate Rotuman Festival Week. Photo/ProFiji

By investing in our youth and infrastructure, we can create an environment where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously.

The first reunion of Riamkau Sau II's descendants was a milestone that showed our shared past and paved the way for a promising future.

As we continue to honour our king's legacy, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to unity, cultural preservation, and community development.

The journey ahead is ours to shape, and together, we can ensure that the light of our heritage continues to shine brightly for generations to come.

The Riamkau Sau II reunion was held from 19 to 25 October in Suva, and culminated with a gala/island night function at the Vodafone Arena on Saturday night.

Watch descendants of Riamkau Sau II celebrate a week of reunion with a gala/island night in Suva.

Members of the Mou clan celebrate at the gala/island night event in Suva. Photo/Supplied

Sylvia Joe, a descendant of Mou, and husband Michael at the gala/island night event on Saturday. Photo/Facebook/Sylvia Joe

Descendants of one of Riamkau Sau II's sons, Sakaria. Photo/Facebook/Riamkau Sau II Reunion

Descendants of Turag and Uafta - sons of the last King of Rotuma - held a joint celebration during the weeklong event. Photo/Facebook/Riamkau Sau II Reunion

Thomas Ravoi (a Mou descendant) and his wife Sereana travelled from Sydney to be a part of the celebrations in Suva. Photo/Supplied

Members of the Noperto clan celebrate their heritage in Suva. Photo/Facebook/ProFiji

Mou descendants at the gala/island night event on Saturday. Photo/Supplied