Photo: Screengrab / Facebook/Kiingitanga. Retrieved from rnz.co.nz
A historic meeting of traditional leaders has been a poignant moment at the 50th anniversary Pacific arts and culture festival in Hawai’i.
Traditional leaders from across the Pacific have met during the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) to sign a declaration solidifying their commitment to strengthen relationships and share knowledge on how to collectively face challenges confronting Pacific people.
In March, a catalyst for the re-gathering of traditional Pacific leaders occurred in Fiji, when nation’s Great Council of Chiefs met after a 16-year hiatus.
Leaders held a ceremony to formally honour the ali’i and to celebrate connection of culture.
The Tuurama Ariki Declaration signing saw leaders promising to utilise indigenous traditional knowledge to lead the way forward in communities.