Fakalofa lahi atu – Ko igoa haaku ko Melanie Viliamu-Iosefa Jackson.

My mother is Tausala Iosefa, who hails from the islands of Tuvalu and Tokelau, and my father, Dimitry Viliamu, comes from Niue. I was born in New Zealand. Unfortunately, I fall into the category of "not being able to speak fluently" in all the island nations I come from. However, this hasn't stopped me from participating in my culture and being proud of who I am.

My Niuean journey is vastly different from my Tuvaluan and Tokelauan journey. I was raised on my mother's side of the family from birth and had no exposure to anything Niuean until I met my dad for the first time in 2007, in Samoa, when I was 16. It was somewhat like a David Lomas "Lost and Found" situation. My father brought me to Niue in 2010, where I spent seven weeks on the Rock. The culture shock kicked in immediately.

There are no soft, white sandy beaches like your typical tropical island; it is a big rock. Niue offers a unique landscape with caves, swimming holes, and pristine rock pools that will transport you back in time with its lush green terrain and abundance of coconut crabs, bats, pigeons, and fruits. In Niue, with its intricate cave systems, it's vital to tread cautiously.

Interestingly, Niueans have a unique dietary preference: taro is their mealtime constant and not rice. I vividly remember the day I encountered a pot of rice at my Aunty’s house for lunch. However, when I served my plate, I was surprised to dig up a chicken leg at the same time. This was the first time I had Supo Moa, a chicken-infused risotto. This experience changed my culinary habits forever, making me appreciate Niue's taro as the best in the world.

I gained a lot during my seven weeks on the Rock, not just weight but also a deeper understanding of who I am and where I come from. I arrived as a stranger and left with a new nickname (they call me Mela) and a new perspective. I think it's crucial to set foot on your home soil, to see where you come from and where your grandparents are buried. There's a special mana that you can only feel when you return home. For some of us, home is far away, or in my case, in three different places, which are not always easily accessible. That's why our language weeks are essential in celebrating and maintaining our connection to our culture.

 This year's Niue Language Week is a bit different for me, I get to celebrate it with a little one. The man I met back in Niue in 2010 gave me the greatest gift of all: our baby girl, Matile Faamanatu Colleen Mokahele Jackson. I hope to provide her with an environment where she can thrive in all her cultures. Fortunately, my husband speaks fluent Niuean, and we also attend the Ekalesia Niue New Lynn Church.

Language is a crucial part of culture. It helps us connect with our communities, especially with our tupuna, and grandparents. I will continue to strengthen my identity by incorporating language into my everyday life, as it's not only about my journey now but also about shaping Matile's journey.