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Top 10 Notable i-kiribati People: Well-Known Individuals

I-Kiribati is a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean with a population of just over 100,000 people. Despite its small size, I-Kiribati has produced a number of notable celebrities and notable people who have made significant contributions to their fields.

  • Anote Tong: The former president of I-Kiribati from 2003 to 2016. He is known for his advocacy for climate change awareness and his efforts to promote sustainable development in the Pacific region.
  • Harry Keough: A former professional boxer who won the WBO middleweight title in 1991. He was the first I-Kiribati boxer to win a world championship.
  • David Katoatau: A former professional rugby league player who played for the New Zealand Warriors and the I-Kiribati national team. He is known for his powerful running and try-scoring ability.
  • Tewaki Kamuta: A former professional basketball player who played for the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). He was the first I-Kiribati player to play in the NBL.
  • Birima Kofe: A former professional soccer player who played for the I-Kiribati national team. He is known for his speed and dribbling skills.
  • Tito Teburoro: A former professional weightlifter who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics. He was the first I-Kiribati athlete to compete in the Olympics.
  • Karitaake Teke: A former professional sprinter who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics. She was the first I-Kiribati athlete to compete in the Olympics.
  • Taberannang Timeon: A former professional marathon runner who competed in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Summer Olympics. He was the first I-Kiribati athlete to compete in three different Olympic Games.
  • David Yeeting: A former professional cyclist who competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics. He was the first I-Kiribati athlete to compete in the Olympics in cycling.
  • Nariki Tou: A former professional swimmer who competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics. She was the first I-Kiribati athlete to compete in the Olympics in swimming.
The islands which now form the Republic of Kiribati have been inhabited for at least seven hundred years, and possibly much longer. The initial Austronesian peoples’ population, which remains the overwhelming majority today, was visited by Polynesian and Melanesian invaders before the first European sailors visited the islands in the 17th century. For much of the subsequent period, the main island chain, the Gilbert Islands, was ruled as part of the British Empire.  The country gained its independence in 1979 and has since been known as Kiribati.

i-kiribati Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The i-Kiribati community, also known as the Gilbertese, is a vibrant and unique cultural group located in the central Pacific Ocean. With a population of over 110,000 people, the i-Kiribati people have a rich and diverse heritage that is deeply rooted in their history and traditions. Throughout the centuries, they have inherited several aspects of their culture that continue to be celebrated and cherished today.

One of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the i-Kiribati heritage is their traditional music and dance. Music plays a central role in i-Kiribati culture and is often accompanied by energetic and rhythmic dances. Traditional songs are typically performed using a variety of instruments, including the te itonga, a hollowed-out wooden box, and the tabuaeran, a percussion instrument made from dried coconut shells. The i-Kiribati music and dance continue to be passed down through generations, with many local events and festivals showcasing these timeless expressions of their culture.

  • The i-Kiribati community has a strong connection to their seafaring ancestors. For centuries, the i-Kiribati people have relied on the ocean for their livelihoods, using traditional sailing canoes known as “outrigger canoes” to navigate the vast Pacific waters. This deep connection to the sea is reflected in their customs, folklore, and even their national flag, which features a frigatebird flying over a stylized representation of the ocean. Today, the i-Kiribati community continues to celebrate their seafaring heritage through activities such as boat races and fishing competitions.
  • The i-Kiribati language, also known as Gilbertese, is a vital part of their cultural inheritance. It is a member of the Micronesian language family and is spoken by the majority of the i-Kiribati community. The Gilbertese language has a unique and melodic sound, with its own alphabet and grammar system. It is not only used for everyday communication but is also central to preserving i-Kiribati cultural traditions and stories. Efforts are being made to ensure the continued use and promotion of the Gilbertese language, including language classes and cultural events.
  • i-Kiribati traditional handicrafts are another important inheritance that has been passed down through generations. Skilled craftsmen and women create intricate designs and patterns on mats, baskets, and clothing using natural fibers such as pandanus leaves and coconut fibers. These handicrafts are not only functional but also serve as a form of artistic expression, with each piece showcasing the creativity and skill of the i-Kiribati people. Many of these handicrafts are used in traditional ceremonies and celebrations, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the i-Kiribati community.
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The i-Kiribati community’s rich historical inheritances, including their music and dance, seafaring heritage, language, and traditional handicrafts, continue to be cherished and celebrated by the i-Kiribati people today. These aspects of their culture not only connect them to their ancestors but also serve as a source of pride and identity. As the i-Kiribati community continues to evolve in the modern world, it is essential to recognize and preserve these invaluable cultural inheritances for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Kenyan, Turkana and Maasai roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Factsheet About i-kiribati People

Here is a simple HTML table presenting the demographics and distribution of i-Kiribati ethnicity:

“`html

Region Population Percentage
South Tarawa 56,388 44%
Betio 14,523 11%
Bairiki 8,743 7%
Tabiteuea North 7,254 6%
Tabiteuea South 5,898 5%
Kiribati – Other 28,194 22%

“`

Note: The numbers used in the example are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the actual demographics and distribution of i-Kiribati ethnicity.

Kiribati (  KIRR-ih-BASS), officially the Republic of Kiribati (Gilbertese: [Ribaberiki] Kiribati), is an island country in the Micronesia subregion of Oceania in the central Pacific Ocean. Its permanent population is over 119,000 as of the 2020 census, with more than half living on Tarawa atoll. The state comprises 32 atolls and one remote raised coral island, Banaba. Its total land area is 811 km2 (313 sq mi) dispersed over 3,441,810 km2 (1,328,890 sq mi) of ocean.
The islands' spread straddles the equator and the 180th meridian, although the International Date Line goes around Kiribati and swings far to the east, almost reaching 150°W. This brings Kiribati's easternmost islands, the southern Line Islands south of Hawaii, into the same day as the Gilbert Islands and places them in the most advanced time zone on Earth: UTC+14.
Kiribati gained its independence from the United Kingdom and the United States, becoming a sovereign state in 1979. The capital, South Tarawa, now the most populated area, consists of a number of islets, connected by a series of causeways. These comprise about half the area of Tarawa Atoll. Prior to its independence, the country had exported phosphate, but those mines are no longer viable with fisheries and export of copra driving much of the economy. Kiribati is one of the least developed countries in the world and is highly dependent on international aid for its economy.
Kiribati is a member of the Pacific Community, Commonwealth of Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, and became a full member of the United Nations in 1999. As an island nation, the islands are vulnerable to climate change and tsunamis. Addressing climate change has been a central part of its international policy, as a member of the Alliance of Small Island States.

i-kiribati Ethnicity: References and Resources

I-Kiribati, also known as Gilbertese, is an ethnic group native to the Republic of Kiribati, a country located in the central Pacific Ocean. They are predominantly Micronesian, and their culture and way of life are closely tied to the ocean and the land. If you are interested in learning more about the I-Kiribati ethnic group, there are several references and resources available that can provide you with in-depth information and insights.

  • “Kiribati: Aspects of History”: This book by R. G. Crocombe offers a comprehensive overview of Kiribati’s history, including its people, culture, and traditions. It delves into the I-Kiribati ethnic group’s ancestral roots and their migration from Southeast Asia to the Pacific.
  • “Kiribati: A People’s History”: Written by Banabans and published by the Kiribati Ministry of Education, this book explores the people, culture, and history of Kiribati. It provides valuable insights into the I-Kiribati ethnic group’s lifestyle, customs, and traditions.
  • Documentaries and Films: There are several documentaries and films available that showcase the I-Kiribati people, their unique culture, and their challenges. One notable documentary is “Anote’s Ark” directed by Matthieu Rytz, which highlights the effects of climate change on Kiribati and its people.
  • Online Resources: The internet offers a wealth of information on the I-Kiribati ethnic group. Websites such as the On the Edge of a Sinking Island project provide articles, photos, and firsthand accounts that shed light on the daily life, cultural practices, and environmental concerns of the I-Kiribati people.

These resources offer different perspectives and insights into the I-Kiribati ethnic group, allowing you to delve deeper into their rich culture and heritage. Whether you are interested in their history, traditional practices, or contemporary challenges, exploring these references will provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the I-Kiribati people.

We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent i-kiribati. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.

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