“There is an unstoppable strength that comes from embracing who you are on a deeper level and being proud of that connection and when we have the opportunity to explore that, whether through language or aesthetic it can truly set you free as an
He told me, “I used to use those tools, some of those tools are my fatherʻs also. We used to carve, we were canoe and boat builders too. Your grandfather, and his father, his fatherʻs father were all carvers and canoe builders.” - Langi&r
We are bound to them, though we cannot look into their eyes or hear their voices. We honor their history. We cherish their lives, we will remember their stories. We will remember them.⁠ ⁠ Pictured is a Jobwa elder from Marshall Islands. Special shout
Digital Oceania: An online symposium discussing how oceanic peoples navigate digital and social media. ⁠ ⁠ May 28th-29th 2021 | Tickets: Pay What You Can*⁠ ⁠ We are excited to announce our first Digital event. Our creative director Emele Ugavule has
Bad Fiji Gyals launched their head turning project in 2020 with a force to be reckoned with and they’re on track to burn their name into the history books.⁠ ⁠ They are currently busy preparing for their upcoming online exhibition Coolie Cut Can
Over two days, 8-9th April, the Australian Association of Pacific Studies (AAPS) is holding their Postgraduate and Early Career Researchers symposium. ⁠ ⁠ The theme of this year’s symposium is Decolonisation and the Trans-Pacific.⁠ ⁠ Asetoa Sam
Talanoa Zine: Issue 1 - Recycle • it’s been a long time in the making, but we are finally getting ready to launch our first issue of our zine! Contributions from artists from Fiji, Tokelau, Rotuma, Sāmoa & Tonga, responding to the them
Motherhood has been an ongoing process of loss and release, leading me to vulnerability, courage, and joy writes our founder, Arieta Tora Rika.⁠ ⁠ "During our first post-natal check up, a nurse from the hospital came home to see us. Despite my l
"Once again on the roof of western province 1710m tapalamengutu, kolobangara..."⁠ ⁠ 📸 & words by @kidofdanite, follow him for more stunning imagery of the Solomon Islands.⁠ ⁠ [Image: a man stares out into the jungle around and below hi
The biruko fan is made by the women of Central Bougainville.⁠ ⁠ Its journey begins when the young palm leaves that have yet to unfurl, are cut and boiled and laid out to dry in the sun. The pieces are then carefully matched and layered, and sewn toge
Nginge’⁠ “Smell”⁠ ⁠ Honoring elders⁠ ⁠ Nginge’ is a term that describes the smelling or sniffing of the back part of an elder’s slightly raised right hand. Elders, or manåmko, collectively understood to have wisdom
"Growing up in Port Moresby and witnessing the enormous disparity between the rich and the poor, it made me very conscious of my privilege at such an early age. Being able to see both sides of the spectrum, it made me hungry to be both successfu
“I’m 19 and I live in Deuba. Two brothers used to row this boat but they both died this year so sometimes I row the boat for some money. It closes at 7pm. I didn’t really like school, I like working with my hands. I’d like to
“I’ve been at this market for 20 years but just before I used to sell food and vegetables inside. Now I’m selling flowers and doing the flower arrangements, I get a lot of orders... I get my flowers from Viti Levu. Some orders for $
"During a typical university week I would have an 8am class then stay university until 6pm, go home, have dinner, then study again until 12am. On top of this I had two part time jobs as well as my hobbies. It was definitely a challenge to organi
1) "Moving has impacted my life in so many ways, first of all, I would say that it changed a lot to not have my family around or even an uncle or an auntie, I mean physically! So weird!  In New-Cal (in the Pacific in general) we live altogethe
"I rarely hear from the Polynesian perspective of colonialism because we are such a loving and welcoming people. But I knew deep down that there had to be some type of internal frustration against the settlers just like my Navajo people.⠀ ⠀ I wa
"There are good days and there are not so good days. Sometimes you can feel exhausted and the last thing you want to do is go to work. I know some actors out there don’t like standing in the wings before the show starts because they get ne
"I’ve been sitting here thinking of profound things to say. I do say some profound things but at the moment I’m not feeling that profound, which is real life. Despite wishing I could always be.. turns out I’m not always 100% th

Founded in 2015 by Arieta Tegeilolo Talanoa Tora Rika, Talanoa is a digital storytelling platform for Oceanic voices.

A place where you can find authentic Oceanic voices sharing real stories and experiences in the hope of inspiring, encouraging, and informing people in our communities and in our world.

TRANSCENDING BORDERS

Since launching, Talanoa has:

  • Published over 300+ stories, interviews, and essays by Pacific creatives

  • Built a community of 4,000+ followers on Instagram, 10,000+ on Facebook

  • Collaborated with artists, writers, and storytellers across Oceania and beyond

  • Delivered workshops and events centring Indigenous Pacific digital storytelling

Our platform is resting while we prepare for its next evolution.
We're currently seeking funding and partnerships to relaunch Talanoa in a way that reflects the scale of our vision and the care our stories deserve.

Want to yarn with us about the future of Talanoa?
Reach out to info@studiokiin.com