Island Legacy – A History of the Rotuman People

Island Legacy is a history of the people from Rotuma Island (Fiji) from legendary times, through the era of British colonial domination, until the end of the twentieth century. To a great extent, Rotuman history can be viewed as a continuous struggle between politically powerful groups and individuals who have attempted to impose a social order of their choosing, and politically weaker groups and individuals who have attempted to maintain their autonomy. The struggle has taken place at every level of Rotuman society: individuals within households, households within villages, villages within districts, between districts, and between Rotuma and the outside world. Whether in the face of domination by Tongan invaders in legendary times, by British administrators during the colonial period, or by the government of Fiji in the postcolonial era, Rotumans have always asserted their right of self-determination, sometimes in dramatically defiant ways, sometimes by simple noncompliance and passive resistance. The story is of a proud people-a people who have a keen sense of their own worth both as individuals and as a cultural community.

“For those of us who aspire to retain, and indeed enhance, our Rotuman identity, the information contained herein about our history, culture, and traditional beliefs and values is a treasure.”

– Jioje Konrote, Major-General (Retired)