A recent book, by Richard Kakinoru, tells the brutal truth about the forced labour trade in the Pacific from 1850 to 1910.

This important book brings to light the experiences of Bougainvillians who were deceived, abducted and shipped off to toil in foreign sugarcane plantations under harsh conditions. Men, women and children were sold to landholders in Australia, Fiji and Samoa, with many never returning to their roots in Bougainville.

It is important that these stories are told from a Kanaka (Indigenous) perspective. this happened 8 generations ago, it is relevant today. It is a strong reminder to learn from our history and stand up for what it right.

Copies of the book can be purchased via their Facebook page: Blackbirding in Bougainville

Information supplied by Richard Kakinoru

Richard is an author, entrepreneur and community leader in Bougainville. He served in the Autonomous Bougainville Administration for over 10 years, and lived through the crisis of the 1990s before returning to civilian live.