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Cook Islands (Includes Rarotonga) (view source)
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''[[Pacific Island Guide to Family History Research|Pacific Island Guide ]] > Cook Islands (Includes Rarotonga)'' <br> | ''[[Pacific Island Guide to Family History Research|Pacific Island Guide ]] > Cook Islands (Includes Rarotonga)'' <br> | ||
==== General Information ==== | ==== General Information ==== | ||
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The island’s name stems from''raro,'' meaning ''“down,” ''and ''tonga,'' meaning “''south.” ''In 1997,''Japanese ''archaeologists unearthed a previously unknown ''marae'' (sacred site) on ''Motu Tapu'', an islet in the lagoon at ''Nagatangila.'' This is estimated to be 1500 years old (abt. 500 A.D.). | The island’s name stems from''raro,'' meaning ''“down,” ''and ''tonga,'' meaning “''south.” ''In 1997,''Japanese ''archaeologists unearthed a previously unknown ''marae'' (sacred site) on ''Motu Tapu'', an islet in the lagoon at ''Nagatangila.'' This is estimated to be 1500 years old (abt. 500 A.D.). | ||
Christianity is the dominant religion, brought by the ''London Missionary Society''. LDS Church membership in 2002 in the ''Cook Islands, ''including Rarotonga, was 1,236. | Christianity is the dominant religion, brought by the ''London Missionary Society''. LDS Church membership in 2002 in the ''Cook Islands, ''including Rarotonga, was 1,236. | ||
=== Historical background === | === Historical background === | ||
'''500''' Expeditions to New Zealand by Maori begin from Rarotonga, probably from Ngatangila.<br>'''800''' Expedition of Ru from Tubua`i in French Polynesia to Rarotonga, Aitutake, and Tangaia.<br>'''1600''' Spanish explorers sight Pukapuka and land on Rakahanga <br>'''1800''' British and French explorers and Australian and New Zealand expeditions seek sandalwood. They name Pukapuka “Danger Island” because they cannot land. Captain James Cook lands on several of the islands and a Russian map maker names them the “Cook Islands” after him.<br>'''1821''' London Missionary Society landed in Aitutaki. Islanders quickly converted to Christianity. Population around 6,500.<br>'''1850''' Peruvian slave traders kidnapped outer islanders, who were never seen again.<br>'''1860s''' Population diminished to 2,000 due to sickness<br>'''1861-1907''' London Mission Society gives births and death, civil registration<br>'''1870''' Queen Makea Tukau has government authority and petitions for British protection. <br>'''1888''' Became a British protectorate. Freedom of religion guaranteed.<br>'''1895''' First Roman Catholic Church dedicated<br>'''1896''' (some 1876) A large number of oral genealogies was recorded.<br>'''1901''' Annexed to New Zealand in a deed of cession signed by five ariki and seven lesser chiefs.<br>'''1946''' Large numbers of Cook islanders migrate to New Zealand for jobs.<br>'''1965''' Became a Self-Governing Territory under New Zealand. Cook Islanders have automatic New Zealand citizenship.<br>'''1996''' Population is 19,103<br>'''2000''' Universal suffrage and self-government with an elected parliament and a House of Ariki (hereditary chiefs) with representatives from all of the Cook Islands brings a peaceful environment in the Cook Islands. | '''500''' Expeditions to New Zealand by Maori begin from Rarotonga, probably from Ngatangila.<br>'''800''' Expedition of Ru from Tubua`i in French Polynesia to Rarotonga, Aitutake, and Tangaia.<br>'''1600''' Spanish explorers sight Pukapuka and land on Rakahanga <br>'''1800''' British and French explorers and Australian and New Zealand expeditions seek sandalwood. They name Pukapuka “Danger Island” because they cannot land. Captain James Cook lands on several of the islands and a Russian map maker names them the “Cook Islands” after him.<br>'''1821''' London Missionary Society landed in Aitutaki. Islanders quickly converted to Christianity. Population around 6,500.<br>'''1850''' Peruvian slave traders kidnapped outer islanders, who were never seen again.<br>'''1860s''' Population diminished to 2,000 due to sickness<br>'''1861-1907''' London Mission Society gives births and death, civil registration<br>'''1870''' Queen Makea Tukau has government authority and petitions for British protection. <br>'''1888''' Became a British protectorate. Freedom of religion guaranteed.<br>'''1895''' First Roman Catholic Church dedicated<br>'''1896''' (some 1876) A large number of oral genealogies was recorded.<br>'''1901''' Annexed to New Zealand in a deed of cession signed by five ariki and seven lesser chiefs.<br>'''1946''' Large numbers of Cook islanders migrate to New Zealand for jobs.<br>'''1965''' Became a Self-Governing Territory under New Zealand. Cook Islanders have automatic New Zealand citizenship.<br>'''1996''' Population is 19,103<br>'''2000''' Universal suffrage and self-government with an elected parliament and a House of Ariki (hereditary chiefs) with representatives from all of the Cook Islands brings a peaceful environment in the Cook Islands. | ||
=== Resources available === | === Resources available === | ||