The origins of the people of Tuvalu are addressed in the theories regarding migration into the Pacific that began about 3000 years ago. During pre-European-contact times there was frequent canoe voyaging between the nearer islands including Samoa and Tonga. Eight of the nine islands of Tuvalu were inhabited; thus the name, Tuvalu, means "eight standing together" in Tuvaluan (compare to *walo meaning "eight" in Proto-Austronesian). Possible evidence of fire in the Caves of Nanumanga may indicate human occupation for thousands of years. COUNT 5
QSN1 How many years ago did migrations of people happen in the Pacific area? ANS1 3000 years QSN2 By what means did locale people travel between Pacific islands? ANS2 canoe QSN3 How many islands are in the Tuvalu group? ANS3 nine islands QSN4 On how many of Tuvalu's islands did people live? ANS4 Eight QSN5 What is the native language meaning of Tuvalu? ANS5 eight standing together