Faikava Navigation: Space for critical discussions about identity in diaspora

Abstract

This presentation explores a broad sense of diaspora drawing from both Mayan and Tongan concepts of time and space to explore these experiences. Additionally, Lucky Dube's song, The Other Side, is used as a framework for analyzing some comments from ethnographic data of Tongan and Moana (Oceanic) people commenting on struggles for identity. Kava circles serve as significant sites of making and keeping connections to homeland as well as creating spaces of interdependent support to face economic challenges in new homelands.