“One body, one people, one ocean, one Pacific”, was was Samoa’s powerful statement during the parade of nations at the official opening of the (FestPAC). It was a sentiment echoed loudly and proudly by all other parading nations. Rapa Nui’s delegation exclaimed, “we are all brothers and sisters, we are a family!” This strong spirit of unity connected the Pacific delegates who had all travelled across vast oceans to attend the 10-day festival hosted in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“Honolulu Lahui, Regenerating Oceania”is the underlying theme of the event. Festival director Dr Aaron Sala said the phrase is an ancient from the reigning Monarch of Hawai’i in the 1870s, instructing the community to rekindle their cultural practices and rebuild the nation. He saw how the theme could be embraced by the entire Pacific region for the festival.
“The power of that phrase speaks to every level of who we are.” He saw the phrase come to life at the official opening ceremony over the weekend. Close to 30 Pacific Island nations paraded the Stan Sheriff Centre, flags waving high, and hearts full of pride for their indigenous heritage.
Indigenous people of all ages filled the arena with song and dance, previewing what festival goers could expect over the next two weeks. Dr Sala was impressed by the mix of elders and young ones in the delegations. “The goal of the festival in its inception was to create connections between elders and youth and to ensure that youth are connected in .