The Banabans have a unique history. Originally from Banaba, we were annexed into the Kiribati territory due to the colonial ambitions and economic greed of the British Phosphate Commission, comprised of Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. The mining of phosphate left our island devastated. In 1945, we were forcibly relocated to Rabi Island in Fiji by the British. Today, Banabans have a right to dual citizenship in both Fiji and Kiribati, safeguarded by the constitutions of both nations.
Through my Kiribati heritage, I have connections to Tabiteuea, Tarawa, Tamana, and Onotoa. This year’s theme for Kiribati Language Week is "Eutakirakean ma kabwaekekean ara taetae ni Kiribati ma kateira ao rabakaura, bon maurin ao tokabetin te I-Kiribati" – Thriving and flourishing our Kiribati language, culture, and knowledge builds I-Kiribati resilience and prosperity.
While the focus of Pacific Language Weeks is on language, it's also an opportunity to discuss critical issues unique to the islands we celebrate. The overarching theme for 2024 is Sustainability, which brings to mind the pressing issue of climate change – a significant challenge for Kiribati. As a low-lying island nation, Kiribati faces severe impacts from climate change: rising sea levels, coastal erosion, threats to agriculture, infrastructure damage, and the looming threat of forced relocation.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, key words stand out: thriving, resilience, and prosperity. Addressing climate change is crucial for a thriving island community, as our connection to the land and environment is fundamental. However, thriving is difficult when climate change disrupts our way of life. Despite contributing the least to climate change, Pacific Islands like Kiribati are disproportionately affected. This is a global issue requiring collective responsibility to ensure the resilience of island nations is supported ethically and morally.
To secure prosperous futures for our children, we must act now. Sustainability efforts are vital to ensure our islands' resilience and adaptability to climate change, while minimising our contributions to its progression. By fostering practices that protect the environment, conserve resources, and promote social equity, sustainability plays a crucial role in addressing both the causes and effects of climate change.
The unfortunate potential reality for our Pacific islands is submersion under water. It's important to address climate change NOW, continue raising awareness, and hold those in power accountable for their contributions to the crisis. Our Pacific communities, especially those still living in the islands, are often voiceless, but they must be heard and involved in the solution, as their livelihoods are most at stake.
Hele Christopher-Ikimotu is the Communications Manager for PMA. He is passionate about his culture, the history of his Banaban heritage and maintaining visibility for his community. In 2022, his poem 'Dear Banaba' was published in 'No Other Place to Stand: A Climate Change Anthology of Climate Change Poetry from Aotearoa New Zealand'
In 2018, as part of the Bearing Witness Climate Change Journalism Project, he co-directed a documentary on the issue of climate change on Rabi Island in Fiji. Watch here.
