FestPAC 2024: “Fighting the Extinction of Pacific Peoples”

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Rapa Nui
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports

As the world’s largest celebration of Pacific culture, the event unites thousands of delegates, leaders, performers and audiences to help marginalized indigenous groups fight extinction and fight for their right to self-government.

Guam community elder Anthony Borja said the Pacific Festival of Arts and Culture (FestPAC) is more than just “revitalizing culture.”

Borja said he sees the festival as “a fight against the genocide of Pacific peoples.”

“When you think about extinction, you get very emotional. But we’re going to do something about it!”

Fijians occupied the designated space at FestPAC in solidarity with the Kanakya people of New Caledonia.

The group set up a kava corner where anyone interested could join them to show support for their indigenous Kanak neighbours.

This is at More than two dozen Pacific NGOs condemn France called it a “betrayal” of the Kanak people of New Caledonia.

Fiji’s deputy head of delegation, Emosi Caniogo, said their act of brotherhood and solidarity was welcomed by other countries, with social media posts describing it as a “powerful” movement.

Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau (Turaga Bale na Vunivalu na Tui Kaba, Paramount Chief of the Kubuna Confederation) sits with other Fijian representatives in the New Caledonia Hall, here @FestpacHawaiiThey continue to hold space for the Carnac families who cannot come here, (1/2) pic.twitter.com/Cus8nH0KfW

— The Fixture (@JoseInigoSantos) June 11, 2024

“It is really fantastic that Fiji is supporting its brothers and sisters in New Caledonia. Even though we are from different islands, we all understand that we are all part of the Pacific family and they should not lose hope.”

More than 2,000 delegates from across the Pacific came to Hawaii for the 10-day festival.

Rapa Nui
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports

The Rapa Nui delegation to FestPAC made history, sending the largest delegation ever.

In previous festivals, the minimum number of delegations was only 15 people.

This year they sent over 100 Aboriginal people to share various traditional art forms.

The group’s performer, Hotu Iti Ariki, said their large group, made up of people of all ages, was a living display of intergenerational knowledge.

“We have children from 9 to 65-70 years old. It’s a very diverse delegation and you can see different perspectives from different generations at the same time and in the same place.”

Rapa Nui champion dancer Ariki Vahine Nehe Nehe Atan said this was her first festival.

“I’m happy and I’m proud to be here representing my culture, my people and my island.

“We are here to share our culture, enjoy it with you, and learn about other cultures.”