News

Prince Kūhiō’s legacy lives on across the islands

Photo courtesy of Catherine Cluett Pactol/HPR. Retrieved from hawaiipublicradio.org Today, Hawaiʻi celebrates the birthday of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole. Communities across the state are honoring him and his legacy of service to the Hawaiian people. Molokaʻi kupuna ʻOpuʻulani Albino spoke about his life at a recent homestead celebration event. “His genealogy is such that he was born March 26, 1871, and he passed Jan. 7, 1922. David Kahalepouli and Princess Kekaulike are his parents,” she said. “At the age of 13, he was given the title of prince by Kalākaua. His wife is Elizabeth Kahanu Kaʻauwai, and he married her after he was released from prison because he was accused of perpetuating insurrection when the overthrow happened to our Queen Liliʻuokalani.” Prince Kūhiō went on to become a U.S. congressional delegate from the Territory of Hawaiʻi, the only royal-born member of Congress. He is especially known for spearheading the passage of the [Hawaiian Homes Commission Act in 1921](https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2021-07-09/100th-anniversary-of-the-hawaiian-homes-commission-act) to provide homesteads for Native Hawaiians. “His history is full with service, not only to his people, to his heritage, but to the future of Hawaiʻi as we know it now,” Albino said.

How indigenous artists on remote Australian island keep traditions alive through art

Photo credit: Kylie Knott. Retrieved from scmp.com Artist Pedro Wonaeamirri grabs a chunk of chalky ochre from a seaside cliff on a remote island off Australia’s Northern Territory. “Ochre is important for our art and also for ceremonies,” he says, holding a clump of the natural white pigment in his hands. “In a way, this cliff is my art shop where I source supplies but I don’t have to pay GST [goods and services tax].” Wonaeamirri is a member of the Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association, an indigenous arts centre in Milikapiti, a tiny village on Melville Island located roughly 110km (70 miles) – about a 30-minute flight – north of the city of Darwin. Melville Island and neighbouring Bathurst Island are collectively known as the Tiwi Islands, the home of the Tiwi people, whose culture – one rich in art, music, dance and ceremony – is shaped by a strong connection with the land. This month, Wonaeamirri is in Hong Kong for Art Basel, the city’s largest annual international arts fair, which will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 28 to 30.

Tonga’s Queen Nanasipau’u visits Sydney

Excerpt and Photo from abc.net.au Tonga’s Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho is arriving in Sydney to take part in celebrations of the 99th anniversary of the Kingdom’s Queen Salote College. She’ll be meeting with former students of the college and the members of the Tongan Community in Sydney. “Where ever the queen goes, whether it’s Australia or America, for any Tongan it’s a huge event,” said community leader Reverend Jason Kioa. “She just brings people, just as Queen Salote did,” he added.

Remembering Garifuna Ambassador & Music Legend Aurelio Martínez

Photo Courtesy of @aureliomusic Insgatram. Retrieved from remezcla.com The [Garifuna](https://remezcla.com//features/music/punta-music-has-never-been-a-honduran-thing-always-been-black-garifuna/) community is in mourning. Last night (Mar. 17), Aurelio Martínez, a Honduran music icon and politician, passed away at age 55. The cause of death was due to a plane crash near the Caribbean island of Roatán. “With deep sorrow, we confirm the passing of Aurelio Martínez, legendary musician, composer, and Garifuna activist, who tragically lost his life on March 17, 2025, in a plane crash off the coast of Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras,” the artist’s official Facebook page [said](https://www.facebook.com/AurelioMusic/). “…His sudden departure leaves an immense void in music, culture, and the ongoing fight to preserve Garifuna culture. However, his legacy will live on through his songs, in the memories of those who knew him, and in every young Garifuna inspired by his example.” The statement continued: “On behalf of his team and loved ones, we deeply appreciate the outpouring of love and solidarity during this difficult time. In the coming days, we will share further details regarding the next steps and the ways in which we will honor his memory.”

‘Women carry life’: Torres Strait Islander musicians help preserve language and culture

BiblioLab: Cultivating a New Generation of Conservationists in Galápagos

Photo courtesy: Galapagos Conservancy. Retrieved from galapagos.org Did you know that art can be a powerful tool in protecting endangered species? In the Galápagos Islands, this idea is brought to life through BiblioLab, a local initiative backed by [Galápagos Conservancy’s conservation grants](https://www.galapagos.org/about_us/conservation-action-grants/). This creative program blends art and education to inspire young Galápagos residents with a strong sense of environmental responsibility. Through techniques like watercolor painting, recycled-material collage, and muralism, BiblioLab turns art into a dynamic tool for promoting biodiversity conservation. The program focuses on species from the [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/), giving participants the opportunity to connect with Galápagos’ most iconic wildlife, such as the scalloped hammerhead shark and the candelabra cactus. Beyond artistic expression, these activities promote critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork—essential qualities for shaping future conservation leaders. BiblioLab’s educational approach extends beyond art, integrating reading and interactive learning as core elements of the program. These activities explore essential topics like self-care, environmental awareness, and social equity. The initiative engages participants in discussions about responsible interactions with nature, nurturing the full potential of young learners. The project team has demonstrated remarkable commitment and ingenuity, successfully conducting five workshops with Galápagos youth. By creatively repurposing recycled materials and collaborating with the local community, participants have created lasting tools for environmental education, showing that impactful conservation initiatives can be both practical and inspiring.

Pasifika Festival 2025: Culture, kai and community

Photo: RNZ Pacific/Coco Lance. Retrieved from rnz.co.nz The Pasifika Festival concluded its second and final day today at Western Springs Park in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, attracting large crowds to celebrate the vibrant culture of the Pacific Islands. The annual event features a mix of cultural performances, workshops, music and kai, celebrating the traditions of 11 island nations. With eight stages across four zones, the festival unites a dynamic crowd of festivalgoers, performers and stallholders for Pasifika celebration. Attendees shared their thoughts on the importance of the event itself, the significance of their attire, and the Pacific cuisine, which was at the forefront of the attendee experience.

Connecting with ancestral spirits, Malaysia’s indigenous Mah Meri tribe keeps 200-year-old tradition alive

Photo: CNA/Fadza Ishak. Retrieved from channelnewsasia.com Exverpt from channelnewsasia.com It is a tradition that has been observed in Mr Daiman Peron’s family since he was five years old. The 65-year-old is the tok batin or spiritual leader of the Mah Meri indigenous community residing on Carey Island in Selangor, Malaysia. It’s a role he had taken on since 2013. Every year, he leads his community to observe Hari Moyang or Ancestors’ Day. Mr Daiman said: “If we do not practise this, who else is going to do it? We have to keep it alive for the younger generations.” This weekend, [In Pictures](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/visual-stories) looks at how the indigenous Mah Meri people in Malaysia celebrate an ancient tradition and why the event holds much significance for the community. Ancestors’****Day for the Mah Meri community typically occurs after the Chinese New Year. This year, it fell on Feb 2, a date decided by Mr Daiman based on what his ancestors “reveal” to him. On this day, the Mah Meri people believe that they are visited by the spirits of their ancestors and prepare offerings in the form of food and flowers as a sign of respect. Rituals are also performed as the people pray for good fortune and safety for the coastal community.

Cook Islands must find new solutions to old gender equality problems, says Tuarae

Photo courtesy of MELINA ETCHES/23080129. Retrieved from cookislandsnews.com As the Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW) launches today into a three-day “uikaraurau” summit to plan for the future, the head of delegation, who led the Cook Islands to the 1995 United Nations World Conference on Women and Development in Beijing, says 30 years has done little to change the urgency of gender equality for Cook Islands women. Former director for women in the then Ministry of Internal Affairs, Jean Tuarae, was a leading part of the Cook Islands delegation to the 1995 meeting in China. Eyeing the issues on the agenda for CINCW sessions this week, she says the issues of the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995 remain the same for women in 2025.