Reunion to restore family links

Many a times we only know each other by names and not by our blood roots. This is a chance where one from each family introduce us all and how we are related from our descendants: Abuana

The fourth and fi fth generation of three siblings from Vacalea, Nakasaleka in Kadavu met in Suva yesterday in a bid to strengthen their traditional family ties. Venaisi Tuinuku, Yavuna Atelaite and Simione Sikini are from Kadavu. Mrs Tuinuku and Mrs Atelaite had arrived into Viti Levu more than a century ago and got married to Tomu Asioli and Tomu Koimala of Koio Village in Wailoku. Their only brother, Simione married elsewhere. Mrs Tuinuku’s granddaughter, Nakuta Abuana, 63 said the reunion was staged to get together the descendants of the three siblings so they could interact and know each other. “Many a times we only know each other by names and not by our blood roots. This is a chance where one from each family introduce us all and how we are related from our descendants,” Mrs Abuana said.

“This sort of thing is important in reviving tradition, our culture and our family ties. We are living in an era of technology where not many people know about where they came from due to the influence of technology in their lives.”

Descendants of the three siblings gathered in numbers at the Civic Centre in Suva to attend the reunion. Mrs Abuana said this was the first time they had come up with the idea. They are also hoping to venture into other activities such as family soli as they plan to hold it every year.

Descendants of the three siblings gathered in numbers at the Civic Centre in Suva to attend the reunion.

Kava was flowing right through as they come together after a very long time.

Members of the family gathers around to share stories and get to know each other.

A time to come together and spend with families and friends.