Foki kihe tupu’anga: Talaloto and autoethnographic reflections of navigation back to the homeland

Abstract

Today I find myself back in the homeland, in the physical, back where my ances- tors once walked and talked. In this essay, I unfold stories of migration to highlight the fluid and dynamic nature of such processes evidently shaped by our vā/va’/veitapui, that is, the relations with/within/between people and place(s). I utilize the Tongan approach talaloto, an intimate and sacred practice, to share and interpret my thoughts and feelings about what inspired and empowered me to return to Tonga. Talaloto allows me to reflect on and interpret the histories and struggles that have been meaningful in my journey.