Subject
Archives, Relocation, Treasures, Marriage Register, Aneityumese People, Family History, Ancestral Lands, Tradition, Districts, Vanuatu Cultural Centre, Library, Transcription, Copies, National Archives, Neglect, Cataloging, Preservation, Colonial Powers, Independence Records, Authorities, Future Planning

Domains
Sciences Sociales, Sciences humaines

Description

The marriage register is an important document for the Aneityumese people, providing information about family history and connections to ancestral lands. From 1917 to 1935, there was a breakdown in the tradition of marrying within the district, with most marriages occurring between partners from different districts. However, from 1936 to 1952, most marriages were between people from the same district. The author transcribed the register with the help of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre and Library staff and plans to send copies to Aneityum. The National Archives in Vanuatu, including the marriage register, has been neglected for many years. Efforts are needed to catalog and preserve the collection. There is a perception that the Archives only focus on the history of colonial powers, but this is not true for both pre- and post-independence records. The authorities need to recognize the value of the Archives and develop a plan for its future.

Keywords

Language
English (en-GB)

Creators
Spriggs, Matthew

Contributors

Sources
Vanuatu Daily Post, Thursday, April 16. 2009

Relation
https://parbica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2009-2_tcm50-76867.pdf

Coverage
Vanuatu

Name of newspaper
Vanuatu Daily Post