Essentially Being Banaban In a Changing World

How can the Banaban people navigate the challenges of the modern era while preserving their cultural identity and striving for self-determination?

This compelling study delves into the core of Banaban heritage, exploring the traditional law of Te Rii Ni Banaba, the Backbone of Banaba-which has long governed disputes over land, genealogy, and societal roles.

Through a thorough analysis of colonial rule, wartime upheaval, and forced exile to Rabi Island, this work reveals the critical obstacles that threaten Banaban survival today. It traces the resilience of a people determined to uphold their identity while existing under dual governance, caught between Fiji and Kiribati.

As Banaban youth embrace Western education, the book examines the responsibility of clan leaders in preserving cultural integrity for future generations.

At its heart, this study argues that Banaban strength lies in unity with culture, customs, and traditions, as these are the key to forging a just future. Only by standing together with one voice can the Banaban people reclaim their place in history and chart a course toward self-determination.