The editorial piece ‘E-Avaiki-Toku: Knowing our place, shaping our future’ highlights the significance of cultural identity and its role in shaping the future of the Cook Islands. It emphasizes that knowing one’s place in the world is crucial for building a strong sense of self and community. The concept of E-Avaiki-Toku is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Cook Islands, where it is essential to understand and respect one’s ancestry and traditions. By embracing this concept, individuals can develop a deeper appreciation for their cultural roots and the values that have been passed down through generations. This, in turn, can help to foster a sense of belonging and identity, which is vital for building a resilient and cohesive community. The editorial also touches on the importance of preserving cultural knowledge and traditions, particularly in the face of modernization and globalization. It is essential to strike a balance between embracing progress and preserving the unique cultural identity of the Cook Islands. The concept of E-Avaiki-Toku can serve as a guiding principle for navigating this balance and ensuring that the community remains true to its cultural heritage. Furthermore, the editorial highlights the need for community engagement and participation in preserving cultural knowledge and traditions. This can involve initiatives such as cultural festivals, language classes, and traditional crafts workshops. By working together, the community can help to promote and preserve its cultural identity, which is essential for shaping a strong and resilient future. The editorial also emphasizes the importance of education and awareness-raising in promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. This can involve incorporating cultural studies into school curricula and providing opportunities for cultural exchange and learning. Additionally, the editorial touches on the role of leadership in promoting and preserving cultural heritage. Leaders have a responsibility to prioritize cultural preservation and promote initiatives that support the preservation of cultural knowledge and traditions. The concept of E-Avaiki-Toku can serve as a guiding principle for leaders, helping them to make informed decisions that prioritize the cultural well-being of the community. In conclusion, the editorial piece ‘E-Avaiki-Toku: Knowing our place, shaping our future’ highlights the significance of cultural identity and its role in shaping the future of the Cook Islands. By embracing the concept of E-Avaiki-Toku, individuals and communities can develop a deeper appreciation for their cultural roots and work towards building a stronger, more resilient community. This requires a commitment to preserving cultural knowledge and traditions, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation, and prioritizing cultural preservation in decision-making. Ultimately, the concept of E-Avaiki-Toku has the potential to inspire a new generation of leaders and community members to take an active role in shaping the future of the Cook Islands, while remaining true to their cultural heritage. The Cook Islands have a unique opportunity to showcase their cultural identity to the world, while also learning from other cultures and embracing progress. The concept of E-Avaiki-Toku can serve as a beacon for navigating the complexities of cultural preservation and exchange, ensuring that the community remains strong and resilient in the face of an ever-changing world. As the Cook Islands continue to evolve and grow, it is essential to prioritize cultural preservation and promote initiatives that support the preservation of cultural knowledge and traditions. This can involve collaboration with international organizations, as well as regional and local stakeholders. By working together, the community can help to promote and preserve its cultural identity, while also contributing to the global cultural landscape. The concept of E-Avaiki-Toku has the potential to inspire a new era of cultural awareness and appreciation, not only in the Cook Islands but also around the world. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is essential to prioritize cultural understanding and exchange, while also preserving the unique cultural identities of communities around the world. The Cook Islands are well-positioned to play a leading role in this effort, thanks to their unique cultural heritage and commitment to preserving cultural knowledge and traditions. In the years to come, it will be exciting to see how the concept of E-Avaiki-Toku continues to evolve and inspire new initiatives and collaborations. One thing is certain, however: the concept of E-Avaiki-Toku will remain a vital part of the Cook Islands’ cultural identity, serving as a guiding principle for navigating the complexities of cultural preservation and exchange.