How was tokelau organised politically before European colonization?

Answer 1

Before European colonization, Tokelau was organized politically into decentralized, village-based systems. Each of the three atolls—Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo—had its own local leadership, typically headed by chiefs (pule) who were responsible for governance, social order, and resource management. Decision-making was often communal, with significant emphasis on consensus and traditional customs. This structure allowed for a degree of autonomy among the atolls while maintaining cultural cohesion across Tokelau.