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Kiribati
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
Young people are answering the call of their elders to lead the country forward, address pressing challenges such as climate change, and preserve their culture following the 13th annual Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Hawaii.
FestPAC is more than just a family gathering, it’s an important opportunity to pass the baton.
The delegation included more than 500 young people from 25 countries.
Miss Pacific Islands Moemoeana Schwenke said it was time for young people to “step up” and take leadership.
“It’s also a time for us to come together and remind each other of the gifts we’ve been passed down and what we need to preserve,” she said.
“I think as we look back and celebrate, we’re also looking forward and there’s a lot of amazing discussions coming out that remind our young people what they need to step up and continue to advocate for.”
Rapa Nui visual artist Tau Mana A Kihi said participating in the festival made him realise the value of the traditional knowledge passed down by his father.
“I am happy to show my culture here because it is what our ancestors left us, and in time, it will also be passed on to my children, and I need to teach them the same way my father taught me.”
As a young mother, Litasha Mandiola agrees and looks forward to the day her children have the opportunity to represent Guam at FestPAC.
“We’re going to be ancestors soon so I want to continue these traditions and culture, especially because I have two kids myself and I really want them to be here and experience this,” she said.
“But I know that over the next eight years or so, they will be able to experience how we can come together and share our different cultures.”
Rapa Nui
photo: RNZ Pacific/Tiana Haxton reports
Hawaiian performer Puaiohi Defries said they benefited greatly from the close knowledge sharing between the countries.
“It’s definitely been really cool to interact with different cultures,” DeVries said.
“Even though everyone is from the Pacific, our cultures are all different and I think it’s really cool that everyone can share their culture on a huge platform.”
Youth delegates from across the Pacific echoed the call, telling New Zealand Pacific Radio that they are ready to take the lead in the 14th FestPAC, which will be held in New Caledonia in 2028.
They say they understand their responsibility to preserve their cultural identity and pass it on to the next generation.
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