Tuesday, February 26, 2008

This is what we are doing in Kiribati

By Luis:
One of the islands we are stopping at during the cruise is Kiribati, also known as Christmas Island. Click the links for more information, but remember to come back to our site!!! The island is very poor and doesn't even have electricity. A group of us got together and are taking supplies for the kids' school and I am taking some medical instruments for the clinic/infirmary. The people are so grateful they are holding a welcome ceremony for us. Here is an excerpt from an e-mail we got:
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Below is an email that I received from Reetina Katokita who will be arranging a botaki (welcome ceremony) on behalf of the Preschool association for your group. I think it will be a wonderful experience. I am not sure if I already mentioned this, but I recommend bringing a small and inexpensive container of baby powder and perfume spray. Often at botakis there are dancing groups performing as well as dancing among the guests. You may see some people spraying the perfume on the dancers as well as dabbing the baby powder on their feet and the backs of their neck. If you are so inclined you may want to have these items so you and your group could participate.

Also, at the botaki everyone will probably be sitting on the ground in a square under a mwaneaba (local meeting structure without walls). When sitting, try not to show the soles of your feet to others in the square. Basically, try to sit cross-legged as opposed to sitting with your legs outstretched. Further, it is typical for women to have their shoulders and knees covered with their attire. I will check with Reetina if you all need to bring a cup, spoon and plate. Typically everyone brings their own, but in a situation like this where you all are coming from 'out of town' (to say the least) they may be provided.

Also, when getting situated for the botaki, try not to walk through the center of the square. You may dance there after the botaki begins, but when going to sit down it is better to walk around the side than through the center. The last item I wanted to mention is a possible gift. First, let me say that the I-Kiribati are some of the most welcoming and courteous people I have ever encountered. They will be overjoyed to receive the shipment you arranged for their schools and that for this botaki there is no gift or payment expected. However, if you wanted to give a gift at the conclusion of the botaki it would be acceptable.

It is typical for the honored guests (you and your group) to be asked at the end of the botaki if there is anything that you may wish to say. Many people will be going around and making speeches thanking you for your efforts on behalf of their school/village/country. You/your group will typically be asked after the speeches if there is anything you would like to add. At that point you may wish to thank them for the botaki and ask the MC (master of ceremonies) if you could present a small gift to the unimwane (eldest man of the botaki who would typically be sitting in a place of respect in the center of the opposing side-directly across from you). When presenting a gift you will walk up to the MC and shake his/her hand and then hand him an envelope with money in it. If your group wishes to proceed with giving this type of gift I would recommend $5 per person attending.

Also, everyone would be more than welcome to say thank you at the end of the botaki, but one person could also represent the group. The MC may also wish to have everyone introduce themselves in the beginning of the botaki. When doing this one typically states their name, the names of their parents and where they are from. Further, I can provide some Kiribati phrases to say for the introduction and 'thank you' speech if you want.

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Forwarded message ----------

Thank you so much for the latest but assuring information regarding the above. The teachers of the Preschool association including primary and secondary teachers on Kiritimati Island are very much anxious to receive what your friends could bring for their schools.

And as for your bubuti ae uarereke, everyone is more than willing to host one especially for Sheila and the 20 friends on the 12 March. That is some sort of a norm for the people of Kiribati as you are quite familiar with.

I hope this is quite assuring to you and I look forward to hearing further from you.

Regards;
Mrs Reetina Iannang
Education Officer - Linnix

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Comments from Sheila

This ceremony is very similar to the Maori ceremony that I attended in NZ last year (not a surprise since most of the South Pacific islanders are somewhat related). There may be a person who is assigned to guide us through the ceremony. We can talk about if we wish to present an envelope with a cash gift at our meeting on Mercury and also about how we want to approach thank yous, etc. I wish to share with you that my Maori experience was one of the most moving that I have had in my life and I expect this to be so as well. I don't know from David's message if any children will be there but will try to find out.

Let me know if you have any questions and I'll send them to David. I have asked him to send me some Kiribati phrases that we might use when we meet the people. This experience will be one of the best of the trip, I'm sure.

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