Epeli Hau'ofa (Fijian writer)

Epeli Hau'ofa was a Fijian writer and anthropologist known for his work on Pacific Island cultures and identities. He challenged perceptions of the Pacific as isolated and powerless by emphasizing the resilience, interconnectedness, and maritime strength of Pacific peoples. His influential ideas, such as viewing the Pacific as a "sea of islands," highlight the region's shared culture, history, and community. Hau'ofa's writings and scholarship aimed to empower Pacific Islanders, fostering pride and a sense of collective identity in the face of external challenges and stereotypes.