Norfolk Island's Polynesian and Pitcairn Heritage
Almost half of Norfolk Island's 1,574 permanent residents are descendants of the Pitcairn Islanders who settled on Norfolk Island in 1856.
Norfolk Island's Pitcairn descendants speak both English and a distinctive traditional language passed down from the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives. Their unique heritage is also reflected in the traditional foods and cooking styles, arts and crafts and community activities still practised on the Island.
Other aspects of the Pitcairn/Norfolk heritage are evident in the observance of celebrations such as Bounty Day and Thanksgiving Day. Bounty Day (or Anniversary Day) is a public holiday which commemorates the arrival of the Pitcairners on 8 June 1856. The Island's adoption of Thanksgiving Day (usually the last Wednesday in November) as a public holiday arose out of its association with American whaling ships.
This distinct cultural background may explain why some on Norfolk Island have suggested that Norfolk Islanders of Pitcairn descent are an indigenous people who are entitled under international law to an act of self-determination.
Not all of Norfolk Island's residents support this view. Nor has this view been accepted by Australia's Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. The Commission, in a 1998 report on Norfolk Island's immigration laws, found that Norfolk Island's Pitcairn descendants are neither indigenous to Norfolk Island nor to Pitcairn Island. Instead, the Commission considered they constituted a Minority under international law and were entitled to the rights and protections afforded Minorities by international treaties and conventions.
A copy of the Commission's report is available on the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission website. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is an independent body and its views do not necessarily equate to those of the Federal Government.
In the preamble to Norfolk Island Act 1979, the Federal Parliament and Australian Government have acknowledged the important and special relationship between Norfolk Island and Norfolk Islanders of Pitcairn descent and their desire to maintain their traditions and culture.
For the alternative perspective of Norfolk Island’s history and constitutional status, which is not supported by the Federal Government, visitors may wish to visit the Norfolk Island’s Society of Pitcairn Descendants website.
Information and other links to Pitcairn Island can be accessed at www.visitpitcairn.pn