Cultural exchange fosters ties between Cook Islands and Hawaii

A delegation of ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) young ambassadors from environmental NGO Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau have just returned from a successful and colourful cultural exchange in Hawaii.

The two-week exchange program was an opportunity to share the traditional customs and perspectives of the Indigenous people of the Cook Islands, while also learning about the challenges facing the Native Hawaiian community.

The 43-member team is led by marine scientist and indigenous rights advocate Dr. Teina Rongo, who specializes in climate change, marine ecology, ciguatera poisoning and traditional knowledge.

“The purpose of our trip was to have a cultural exchange with a group in Hawaii that runs similar programs for youth, but also to give our children a chance to learn about what’s happening in Hawaii – the challenges facing indigenous people,” Dr. Rongo said.

He said, “Ātui’anga ki te Tango specifically went to three islands, Oahu, Maui and Molokai, to observe the impacts of development.”

“We want our children to see the changes in Hawaii’s environment and see firsthand what could be happening to us so they understand what’s happening here,” Dr. Rongo said.

“We are all going in the same direction, every country in the Pacific wants to develop, we are all at different stages.

“What happens if we develop further? If we continue to develop and we are displaced and lose our culture, what might happen to our people?

“If we can pay attention to these developments and change course, think about better development practices and better paths, and learn from countries like Hawaii and New Zealand.”

Jackie Rongo (center) and Dr. Teina Rongo (left) with “Ātui’anga ki te Tango” during their trip to Hawaii. AKTT/24081908

Dr. Rongo believes that immersion in other cultures is always best.

By immersing themselves in local Hawaiian culture and hearing firsthand about the experiences of Native people, ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the many struggles that Native people face in the modern world.

During their two-week visit, ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango had the opportunity to engage with Hawaiian counterparts, participate in cultural events, and visit important historical and environmental sites on Oahu, Maui, and Molokai.

Dr Rongo said the best part was how the local people and community welcomed them and how eager they were to share their culture with them.

While on Oahu, the local team spent several days in Waikiki and had the opportunity to visit the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Memorial Chapel at Kamehameha School and the Heritage Room at Kamehameha Campus.

They visited the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and Brigham Young University (BYU) and learned about an indigenous reforestation program led by Cook Islands students Andrea George-Uyehara and Taniora Lowry.

“Atui’anga ki te Tango” at Kahuku Farm in Hawaii. AKTT/24081905

Members of ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango also met the PCC performers behind the scenes before the show and were excited to perform their pe’e songs on stage.

On Maui, AKTT members were welcomed at the airport by the Kamehameha Performing Arts Company and participated in multiple activities each day.

The youth also helped restore a centuries-old terrace-like method of taro farming in Hawaii, learned about freshwater ecosystems, and were hosted by “amazing” Kamehameha School performing arts students.

The group also experienced Hana, one of the most isolated communities on the east end of Maui, where they were conducting experiments in kuru hybridization, crossing various fruits with taro, and members learned to make taro puree.

Dr. Rongo noted that “their produce will be used to provide food for all the elderly in the community.”

On Molokai, the group enjoyed their stay at the Maplehu Kamehameha School mango orchard and had the opportunity to connect more with the He Ēwe Moloka’i Youth Cultural Ambassadors Program who hosted them.

“The hospitality was amazing,” said Dr. Rongo. “We really felt the aloha spirit.”

He said the children have learned practical life skills that will help them on their trip.

“They’re so proud of themselves, their culture, and sometimes you need to go out there and appreciate what you have. Understand the value of who you are.

“I’m so proud of them, they’ve really improved.”

In June this year, the Cook Islands and Honolulu, Hawaii, officially established a sister city relationship, and Dr. Rongo believes that there should be more cultural exchanges between the two countries.

AKTT also participated in the three-day Hawaii 50 Classic Volleyball Tournament on Oahu, where the Cook Islands young development team got a taste of Hawaii A-level volleyball.

Next March, a Kamehameha delegation will visit Rarotonga, hosted by Ātui’anga ki te Tango.

The AKTT project is dedicated to teaching young people in the Cook Islands good moral values ​​and using the tools and skills they acquire to improve the lives of the indigenous people of the Cook Islands.