One-on-One with Mililani Ganivet
We love it when our Polynesian youth makeit a mission to unveil missing pieces of our history.
In this Island Insights, we are delighted to introduce you to Mililani Ganivet.
At just 29, Mililani Ganivet is exploring the depths of Polynesian history through sacred objects at the British Museum. Her doctoral research focuses on the London Missionary Society collection—over 100 artifacts from French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and Hawaii. But Mililani’s mission goes beyond academic study; she is determined to make this knowledge accessible, connecting her community with their cultural heritage.
“These objects carry stories that belong to us,” she says. “They are a gateway to understanding our history and our ancestors.”
The London Missionary Society’s collection she studies is not just a compilation of artifacts; it is a mosaic of history, with each object carrying the echoes of ancient Polynesian beliefs, traditions, and artistry. Mililani is particularly passionate about shedding light on the role Polynesians themselves played in the collection of these items—an often-overlooked chapter in history.
Mililani’s journey began in Taiarapu-Est and led her to Paris, where she studied at the Sorbonne, then to Virginia as a teacher, and later to Hawaii, where her connection to Polynesian heritage deepened. Her experiences there ignited a passion for cultural preservation, leading her to the United Kingdom for her PhD.
Today, she not only documents and studies these artifacts but also shares their stories through public talks, inspiring others to embrace their history.
Her work is a bridge—connecting the past with the present, and Polynesian heritage with future generations.
“There is still so much to do,” she insists. “If we don’t take ownership of our history, others will.”
Photo credit: Polynésie La 1ère.