Tongan Americans are individuals in the United States who trace their ancestry to the Kingdom of Tonga. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, there are approximately 78,871 people of Tongan descent in the country, making them the fourth-largest Pacific Islander group in the U.S., following Native Hawaiians, Samoan Americans, and Guamanian/Chamorro Americans. (en.wikipedia.org)
Geographic Distribution:
Tongan Americans are primarily concentrated in several states:
– California: Home to about 23,798 Tongan Americans, with significant communities in the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly in San Mateo County and cities like East Palo Alto, San Mateo, San Bruno, and South San Francisco. Southern California also hosts Tongan populations in cities such as Inglewood, Hawthorne, and Long Beach. (en.wikipedia.org)
– Utah: Approximately 18,122 Tongan Americans reside in Utah, with Salt Lake County having over 8,000 residents of Tongan ancestry. The Glendale neighborhood of Salt Lake City has one of the highest concentrations of Tongans in the area. (en.wikipedia.org)
– Hawaii: The state has a Tongan population of about 9,535, with Honolulu County having the largest Native Hawaiian population in the nation. (census.gov)
– Texas: Euless, Texas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has a significant Tongan community, with more than 1,000 residents. (en.wikipedia.org)
Cultural Practices:
Tongan Americans maintain rich cultural traditions, including:
– Language: Both Tongan and English are spoken within the community, with Tongan being the primary language taught in schools in Tonga. (everyculture.com)
– Dance and Music: Traditional dances like the lakalaka (a formal line dance) and tau’olunga (a solo dance performed by young women) are integral to Tongan cultural expression. (everyculture.com)
– Holidays: Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter are celebrated, along with traditional events like New Year’s Day (Ta’u Fo’ou) and Sunday School Day (Faka Me), which involves children dressing in new clothes and participating in church activities. (everyculture.com)
Community Organizations:
The National Tongan American Society (NTAS), founded in 1994, is a prominent organization dedicated to advocating for and empowering Tongan Americans and other Pacific Islanders. NTAS offers programs promoting civic engagement, health, youth development, education, and cultural festivals. (ntasutah.org)
Notable Individuals:
Several Tongan Americans have gained prominence in various fields:
– Tony Finau: Professional golfer.
– Haloti Ngata: Former NFL player.
– Kalani Sitake: Head football coach at Brigham Young University.
– Dinah Jane: Singer and former member of Fifth Harmony.
– Vita Vea: NFL player.
– The Jets: Musical group.
– Vai Sikahema: Former NFL player and television news reporter.
– David Tangipa: California state assemblyman. (en.wikipedia.org)
Tongan Americans continue to contribute significantly to the cultural and social fabric of the United States, preserving their rich heritage while integrating into diverse communities across the nation.