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Sela Atiola

Sela Atiola stands to the left of her kitchen bench with her daughters in the centre and her mother to the far right. They make 'ota ika together with smiles on their faces. Photograph: Sherry Zheng.

The 'Ota Ika and Memories of My Grandfather and Tonga

Sela Atiola, Colournary, February 2022

Grandfather Mahe passed away before I could meet him and over the years my father would share stories about him. 'You know Mahe Lahi spent hours out at sea, fishing so we could eat,' Dad would explain. 'We didn’t have much, but he always made sure he came home with fish or seafood to eat. Whatever he had, he shared with his sister and their families too.' Like Grandfather Mahe, many families in Tonga relied on a healthy ocean to feed their families.

Sela Atiola writes about how the dish 'Ota Ika keeps her and her family connected to their Tongan history and culture.

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