The Kingdom of Tonga is an independent nation in the Moana/Oceania region of the Pacific Ocean and is the only nation within this vast region of the world that was not officially colonized. However, the idea of coloniality might better describe Tonga today, because the country still uses logic, system, and ways of thinking that come from colonialism such as Christianity and church networks. Tonga consists of over 160 islands, many of which are uninhabited. The Tongan global population is about 220,000, with half of the population living in the homeland, and the other half living in diaspora, primarily in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the US.

Tongans enter the US primarily for educational purposes and employment opportunities. Since Tonga has never had any relational status with the US, such as Micronesia’s Compact of Free Association (COFA) status, Tongans moved into the continental US often through institutions and religious affiliations. Some church relations offered opportunities to study at various college and university institutions, especially Christian schools that created pathways for permanent residency status or citizenship for those who chose to stay in the US after their schooling.

This module explores the experiences of Tongans in Utah, especially in the Salt Lake Valley, by examining their cultural, religious, and socioeconomic influence in the area.