Pasifika Collective Well-Being During Dovid-19 Crisis: Samoans And Tongans In Brisbane

Journal of Indigenous Social Development

This paper gives insights into the collective ways that Samoans and Tongans living in Brisbane have responded to the changes and uncertainties of the COVID-19 era. As Samoan and Tongan insider researchers, we present observations and dialogue from Samoan and Tongan families that were recorded during March 2020, as part of an inquiry into Pasifika mobilities and well-being in Australia. The responses drawn from these cohorts suggest an established resilience and  purposed  creativity  during  this  global  crisis.  The  social  distancing  regulations,  border closures and travel bans have caused Samoan and Tongan communities in Brisbane to engage more; particularly connecting through digital spaces (vā) of social media and other online communication  platforms.  Pasifika  have  responded  to  the  pressures  and  parameters  of  a pandemic with innovative ways of nurturing their collective well-being.