Moana Toa Initiative Profiles Pasifika Leader Waskam Emelda Davis
The Australian Museum's Moana Toa program highlights Pasifika women's leadership through culture and arts. This installment features Waskam Emelda Davis, a Sydney City Councillor and Australian South Sea Islander advocate. Davis discusses her heritage, work seeking recognition for descendants of Australia's Blackbirding trade, and cultural artifacts including Ni-Vanuatuan tamtam drums and marook feathers. The series launched for International Women's Day 2022 to celebrate Pasifika women's contributions to gender equality. Davis continues advocacy for Australian South Sea Islanders and awareness of Pacific seasonal workers' conditions.
Key facts
- Moana Toa is an Australian Museum initiative celebrating Pasifika women's leadership
- Waskam Emelda Davis is a Sydney City Councillor and Australian South Sea Islander advocate
- Davis works for recognition of descendants of Australia's Blackbirding trade involving 60,000 people
- She discussed Ni-Vanuatuan cultural artifacts including tamtam drums and marook feathers
- The series was created by Moemoana Schwenke, Anaseini Ulakai and Miriama Simmons
Entities
Artists
- Waskam Emelda Davis
- Moemoana Schwenke
- Anaseini Ulakai
- Miriama Simmons
Institutions
- Australian Museum
- City of Sydney
- Australian South Sea Islanders (Port Jackson)
- University of Technology, Sydney
- Onyx Management Group
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia
- Vanuatu
- Ambrym Island
- Ambae