Rosita Fiaola, Jasmine (Tokelauan), Millennium Leota and Isaac Misky. Photo: Supplied/ Isaac Misky
By Elena Pasilio, in Tokelau
In Tokelau, the canoe is the heart of our livelihood.
It's more than a vessel - it is a lifeline that ties families together, a symbol of unity that is woven in Tokelau's identity passed down through generations.
For Isaac Misky, his canoe takes the form of a dream, one that has carried him from playing rugby league around New Zealand to the fields of France and now Doncaster, UK.
Beneath his jersey, etched across his chest are the words "Toku paopao e mākeke" which translates into "my canoe is strong".
"I think a lot of Tokelauan kids in New Zealand are drawn back home," Isaac said on a zoom call from Doncaster where he's currently based.
"I think I was drawn back home to learn more about who I was as a Tokelauan man."
Isaac Misky in Tokelau in 2009. Photo: Supplied/ Isaac Misky
He grew up in Porirua, New Zealand but after he visited Nukunonu, one of Tokelau's three atolls, Tokelau in 2009 with his late granddad Mika Perez, a now 31-year-old Isaac says that he dreams of going back to Tokelau one day.
"Not just to learn more from the culture but to take the skills and knowledge I've gained so far and help kids in Tokelau with their rugby league skills."
He added, "that's something that's always been at the back of my head, even now, so hopefully one day I'll get there again."
Isaac Misky's late grandad Mika Perez, a staunch figure in his community. Photo: Supplied/ Isaac Misky
Isaac found inspiration in other rugby league players with Tokelau roots, namely Sam Panapa, Vince Mellars, Alehana Mara and Bureta Faraimo who he says "had paved the way" for him to chase the dream.
"These are people I got to see before me and I (thought) like, 'Oh man, you know, if these guys can make it, maybe with a bit of hard work I can kind of do the same thing.'"
Talking from his Doncaster residence, a location more than 10,000 miles from Tokelau, he encourages kids in the remote islands to take heart and chase their dreams.
"Just find a way to make it happen, find good support - people who can help you nurture the goal and just be yourself too. Whether the journey's going good or it's not going good, you're in the trenches, just always give thanks to God because all those (challenges) there will be great lessons on the way up."
Isaac Misky, Doncaster Rugby League. Photo: Supplied/ Isaac Misky
In his journey, Isaac says he has carried Tokelau with him everywhere, saying it has reminded him of what is important.
"Working together as a collective, remembering your faith, and knowing you have your family to fall back on when things get tough."
When asked what he would want people to remember most about his journey, Isaac laughed while joking, "that I was faster than my older brother and my Papa Mika."
He says that he has always kept his Tokelau culture close, adding, "my hips might be tight during fatele but my heart's in the right place, and I'm proud to be from Tokelau."
Isaac Misky, Doncaster Rugby League. Photo: Supplied/ Isaac Misky
