Opinion: Tapestry of Pacific ambiguities: Political tensions against the backdrop of FestPac celebrations
The focus of the Festival of Pacific Arts, or FestPac, is always culture, and the 13th iteration held in June 2024 in Hawai’i was no different. More than two dozen island nations sent delegations of dancers,
Pacific voyaging organisations forge new path of collaboration
A gathering of all the voyaging organisations from Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, including around 10 Pwo navigators, was held last week before master navigator Peia Patai and Vaka Marumaru Atua left Hawai’i
Pacific nations strengthen ties at massive FestPAC celebration in Hawaii
A crowd of thousands bid farewell to the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture on Sunday during a large-scale celebration at the University of Hawaii that hosted delegates from 27 island nations. FestPAC, hailed
More than 1,000 invasive trees harvested to build village for the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture
The Hawaii DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife worked with the Albizia Project to cut down more than 1,000 invasive trees — mostly albizia, macaranga, and gunpowder trees — that will be used to make 28 hale for
Reversing the tide of colonial anthropology
Doctor Tarisi Vunidilo has emerged as a leading voice in the growing movement across the Pacific in recent years to repatriate Pacific treasures, as well as human remains from museums across Europe and other parts of
Repatriation efforts underway for ancient Chamorro carvings at Bishop Museum
For the first time in more than 30 years, the latte stones are making a public appearance at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. They’ve lived in the museum for over a century since researchers took the cultural relics
Culture not an excuse for violence: PNG Governor-General
Papua New Guinea cannot claim to be a Christian country because its society has many social ills highlighted by a disrespect for one another, says Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae. Speaking during the flag
The beauty, and power of bilas
Australian Museum highlights PNG culture In the darkened spaces of the Australian Museum in Sydney, birdsong and chanting voices echo. Rounding a corner, you are surrounded by the illuminated faces of Papua New Guinean
The business of bilas
Caleb Jarvis’ passion for Papua New Guinean art and craft started when he lived there as a young child, surrounded by, as he describes them, historical, functional, cultural and spiritual objects. “I lived in an
Small Island, Big Song
What's next for this globe-spanning project? It is a heartfelt embodying of the unadulterated musical essence of the “small islands” – the people at the frontline of the Climate Crisis - capturing the cultural
Pacific nations gather in Samoa for first Loss and Damage dialogue
Pacific people are increasingly suffering loss and damage from superstorms breaking records each year; sea level rise eating away villages and arable land; ocean acidification dissolving our reefs; increasing sea
Resisting obsolescence
Palau’s traditional chiefs revamping their roles to catch up with modern times Palau’s traditional chiefs, called “Klobak,” have been a cornerstone of Palauan society for centuries, serving as protectors and
Vanuatu’s Santo Island to be replaced by “Venia” in restoration of original Island names
The Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and the Tavuemasana Council of Chiefs of Santo are urging the people of Vanuatu to replace the name “Santo Island” with its original name, “Venia.” This revival of the original
Chief is more than just a title, Fiji President tells the GCC
You are here for your people, says Fiji President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. While addressing the members of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), Ratu Wiliame says that, as chiefs, the council should provide the best
Indigenous Fijian funerals adapted to balance culture and survival
Like others across the world, indigenous Fijians (known as iTaukei) in Fiji are facing increased pressure to honor their loved ones with a memorable funeral that can become costly. A team of interdisciplinary
Vunivalu of Bau installed after 33 year wait
On a day when ancient Fijian ceremonies were revived and magnificently on display, Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau was formally installed as the Vunivalu of Bau on Friday 10th March 2023. The much anticipated installation of
DMP puts Solomon Islands music on the map
Island Reggae, ragga and dancehall band DMP (Doorman’s Project) is preparing to tour the United States for the first time, after a year that has seen it release a new album and receive international recognition.
Marshall Islands celebrates new Iroojlaplap
Thousands of Marshall Islanders gathered on Ebeye Island last week for the first coronation ceremony of a paramount chief in half a century. The gala coronation for Iroojlaplap or paramount chief Michael Kabua featured
Legality is born to sing
Solomon Islands singer 'Legality' says singing has been part of her forever. She first performed when 9 years
Kavita Kalyan’s musical journey
By Rowena Singh “Fiji is a strong part of my existence,” says ghazal and Bollywood singer Kavita Kalyan. Kalyan is Australian born, but with strong family ties that take her back to Fiji, and her extended family in
A workplace culture of giving
An aspect of the Pacific culture that I love is how communal-centric it is! The concept of sharing and giving is imprinted onto us like the dark black and brown inks that dance across our tapa, nga’atu or masi,
A culture of giving
By Alfred Tora An aspect of the Pacific culture that I love is how communal-centric it is! The concept of sharing and giving is imprinted onto us like the dark black and brown inks that dance across our tapa, nga’atu
Mia Kami: Harnessing the power of music to decolonise the mind
“Performing is more than just me standing up and singing a song in front of people; it is a chance for me to share a vision and a mission,” says Tonga’s Mia Kami. Kami’s original songs are full of meaning,