Apia, Samoa – Monday 21st October 2024 – The Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, lauded the launch of the publication ‘The Whole of Life Way: Unburying Vakatabu Philosophies and Theologies for Pasifika Development’ at the National University of Samoa (NUS) on Thursday 17th October 2024 as a great prelude to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), set to commence in Apia this week.
The publication champions the agency of Pasifika philosophies, theologies, and spiritualities in addressing contemporary challenges facing Pasifika communities. Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Ponifasio lauded the philosophies of restraint embedded in the book, stating that they offer a new understanding of economic growth and progress. He noted, “The ‘Whole of Life Way’ emphasises the collective whole, relationships, people, ecology, and the interconnectedness of life.” He encouraged a rethinking of societal norms, advocating for a development vision that is resilient and community-based, echoing Samoa’s theme for CHOGM: “One Resilient Commonwealth – transforming our common health.”
The book’s call for restraint, known as Vakatabu in Fiji and tōfā taofiofi in Samoa, underscores the importance of pause in fostering growth and regeneration. As noted in the publication, restraint is a deliberate respect for non-human intervention, allowing communities and ecosystems to heal and renew.
This groundbreaking collection features 15 chapters authored by a diverse range of scholars from across the Pacific Islands, including several Samoan contributors, including Afioga Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Tufuga Efi. The book provides an in-depth exploration of pressing development issues through the lens of Pasifika philosophies, values, ethics, and indigenous spirituality. By challenging conventional consumerist paradigms, it advocates for a holistic understanding of life that emphasizes interdependence among all beings.
The launch is a collaborative effort between the National University of Samoa and the Pacific Theological College, aimed at reframing the development narrative in light of alarming statistics concerning non-communicable diseases, ecological devastation, domestic violence, and food insecurity in Pasifika communities. Editors Aisake Casimira and Professor Upolu Lumā Vaai highlighted the urgency of this publication: “At a time when humanity struggles to envision a sustainable development pathway, this book reclaims indigenous wisdom and philosophy as vital tools for articulating a new story that uplifts both Pasifika peoples and their ecologies.”
The book reviewer, Dr. Tamaisailau Sualii-Sauni, Associate Professor, Criminology Programme of the University of Auckland, New Zealand, described it as a treasure trove of Pasifika indigenous philosophies. She remarked it is an apt resource not only for university or higher learning courses, but also for development policy and law reform boardrooms and senior management teams.
The launch marks the continuation of a series aimed at articulating the Pasifika household, as mandated by Pacific church leaders in 2018. The first volume, “reSTORYing the Pasifika Household,” was published in 2023 and focused on creating transformative and liberating narratives for the region. “The Whole of Life Way” is published and distributed by PTC Press and is now available for purchase.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Theresa Fox, Media and Communications Officer, PTC, Suva Fiji
Phone (Samoa): 7228193, Phone (Fiji): +679 9036470
Email: [email protected] | https://ptc.ac.fj/
Leilani Smith, Marketing and Communications Officer, NUS, Samoa
Tel. +685: 20072 ext. 283 | Email: [email protected] | www.nus.edu.ws
