In October, I got to experience something truly life-changing. I spent an entire week surrounded by my people — hundreds of us who all descend from Riamkau Sau II, the last King of Rotuma.
It was our first-ever family reunion, and honestly, I still feel emotional whenever I think about it.
This wasn’t just a normal gathering. It was the first time in almost 150 years that all the different branches of our family came together in one place. And what made it even more special is that our elders had dreamed about this for decades.
For years they talked about wanting a reunion like this, but it never happened — until now. Finally, 30 years after the idea first came up, we made it real.
Who Was Riamkau Sau II?
Before I went, I already knew the name “Riamkau Sau ”II”—both my parents are descended from him. My dad, Michael Aisea, comes from the Apao clan, and my mum, Zinny Patra, comes from the Noperto clan, so I grew up hearing about our connection.
My mum and my Uncle Cherry helped with some of the events, which meant our whole household had been talking about this reunion for months. We were all excited.
But being there in person finally helped me understand who he really was and why he’s such a significant part of our history.
He ruled during a really intense period in Rotuma’s past—a time when the island was divided between the Catholic and Wesleyan faiths. In 1878, he was fatally wounded while defending his beliefs and his people. Before that, he welcomed the Catholic Church to Rotuma and gifted land that allowed the island’s first mission to be built.
His children went on to form the clans that still carry his story today:
Mou, Eratauof, Turag, Uafta, Apao, Noperto, and Sakaria.
Even though I always knew my family’s clans—Apao and Noperto— the reunion made me feel that connection on a much deeper level.
A Reunion Filled With Culture, Laughter & Learning
The reunion started on Sunday with a peaceful, grounding church service that set the tone for the whole week.
After that, each day was hosted by one of the clans. Every day had its own vibe — different dances, different stories, different foods, and different ways of celebrating who we are. It felt like stepping into a living history book, except with way more laughing and way more food.
Some of my favourite moments included dancing beside my elders. I cherished hearing the meaning behind our movements and songs. I loved watching the little kids learn dances for the first time. Eating food that reminded me of home was special. I enjoyed listening to stories about our island that I’d never heard before.
I was also part of Rosie Semisi’s fashion show. It was so much fun but also such a privilege. Getting to show off my island’s beautiful fashion in that way meant a lot to me. And honestly, the celebrations didn’t stop there. Toward the end of the week, everything just kept building in the best way.
Some of the biggest names in fashion showcase the culture of my island. Designers like Rosie, Hupfeld Hoerder and Letila Mitchell who are now part of my design team for the Miss Fiji Pageant.
On Friday, there was a big family picnic with games, food, and everyone just reconnecting and relaxing together.
Then on Saturday, the Island Night dinner and dance was open to the public so anyone could come share the experience with us.
Those last two days brought everything full circle: the pride, the culture, the music, the food, and the joy of simply being one big family.
Winning Miss Suva — And Celebrating With My People
Our family had been preparing for this reunion for two years.
Then out of nowhere — one month before the event — I won the Miss Suva crown.
The timing honestly felt like fate.
I didn’t expect to be celebrated the way I was, but my family wrapped me in so much love. People came up to me with hugs, blessings, and smiles. Some had travelled from Rotuma, others from around Fiji, and so many from overseas — Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., Canada, and all over the Pacific.
What touched me most is that they weren’t celebrating just the title. They were celebrating me, one of their own. I was stepping into a role where I will represent our Rotuma.
The Hibiscus crown, won for the first time in 28 years, has allowed me to raise awareness about Rotuma. During Hibiscus, I discovered many in Fiji do not realise Rotumans are indigenous to Fiji.
Rotuma has been part of Fiji since 1881. It was annexed to Great Britain as part of the Fiji colony. Despite this, there are many things about the islands I come from that many do not know. Wearing the Hibiscus Crown is an opportunity to share my culture with the world.
What Culture Really Means to Me
Somewhere in the middle of all the dancing, laughing, eating, and reconnecting, I had a moment where everything finally clicked. I realised that culture isn’t complicated at all. It’s the way our elders guide our dance steps. It’s the stories we hear while sitting on mats.
It’s the food that brings us together, the songs we all know. It’s the way our family shows up for each other every single time.
Culture is family, it’s connection, it’s belonging. And for me, it’s what keeps me grounded. It’s the foundation beneath everything I do and the part of me that doesn’t change, no matter where I go.
Leaving With Gratitude
By the end of the week, I felt different — in the best possible way. I felt proud, inspired, and so much more connected to my roots.
This reunion reminded me that knowing where you come from isn’t just about history. It’s about identity. It’s about carrying your family’s story forward. And it’s about making sure the next generation gets to learn directly from the people who kept these traditions alive.
I hope this is the first of many reunions. I also hope more young people get to feel what I felt. It’s that moment where everything makes sense. It’s when your heritage becomes real.
Because when you truly know your roots…you grow stronger.
Written by Rhyelle Aisea & Team Suva with some information extracted from Fiji media sources.
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