In the April 2020 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson said: “While worshipping in the temple is presently not possible, I invite you to increase your participation in family history, including family history research and indexing.”
The Puurai Ward (congregation) in French Polynesia, took his message to heart and organised several opportunities for families to research their family history and participate in indexing. Genealogical indexing involves transcribing historical documents so they can be published online for all to access.
"I feel joy when I see that I am from a big family," says Kuuenui Maraetefau when he looks at his family tree. French Polynesia, November 2020.
"I feel joy when I see that I am from a big family," says Kuuenui Maraetefau when he looks at his family tree. French Polynesia, November 2020.© 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Sami Ben Lagha, a volunteer adviser in the areas of self-reliance, family history and temple work, gave three challenges with the desire to encourage youth participation.
“Young people use new technology, but it is important for them to develop good habits early and to positively contribute on social media through the gospel,” Lagha said.
“Our 15 in 15 challenge, to find 15 ancestors, was the first step in helping young people to take an interest in their family history. We were delighted to see more young people participating by filling out their pedigree chart or posting their family tree on FamilySearch.”
Challenge 15en15 JF Lilikoi'e Diridollouy family history French Polynesia
A young woman in French Polynesia, Lilikoi'e Diridollou, found 15 ancestors and made a family tree. November 2020.© 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The second challenge consisted of inviting each family member to index at least 30 names. Here too, young people contributed and shared what they achieved.
Finally, the latest challenge helped families create or expand their "Memories" albums on FamilySearch.org using the "Who do I look like?” feature. This allowed individuals to upload a photo of themselves and FamilySearch.org then found the ancestor they most resemble. Participants could then do research about this person and add an anecdote about him or her on FamilySearch.org.
When Bishop Louis Sandford did Family Search's "Who do I look like?," he most resembled his grandfather Robert Sandford, who was a mechanic that specialised in Land Rovers. French Polynesia, November 2020.
When Bishop Louis Sandford did Family Search's "Who do I look like?," he most resembled his grandfather Robert Sandford, who was a mechanic that specialised in Land Rovers. French Polynesia, November 2020.© 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Marguerite Taimana recounts how these challenges led her to take an interest in family history and become closer to her mootuas (grandchildren).
"I always wondered who I looked like. I wanted to know my ancestors and if my mother was Chinese because we have Chinese facial features. By doing research, thanks to FamilySearch, I was able to learn that my line was from the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia, since their settlement there several generations ago. I am so grateful to be involved in my family history, and at the same time surprised at the richness of my family. I think it is important to tell your story and to know your past, because that's what defines us today.”
She added, “I am happy to see that my mootuas are interested in their family history. Sometimes they come to me to learn stories about their great-grandparents or great-great-grandparents. I take time to laugh with them and it allows us to create memories."
Looking ahead, Sami Ben Lagha said, “We want to celebrate our family history. We want to be part of the first ever virtual RootsTech Connect conference that will be held on 25-27 February 2021. We want to be ready to share our own experiences with people from around the world.”
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