U.S to host FESTPAC24 - Forgets to Include U.S Pacific Diaspora

(2 min.) In June 2024, Hawaiʻi will take center stage as the proud host of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), a monumental occasion that heralds a new chapter in the cultural history of the Pacific region. This historic event, rooted in a legacy spanning over half a century, holds profound significance as it brings together over 2,200 delegates from at least 28 Pacific countries and U.S. territories.

Born out of a shared concern for the preservation of Indigenous Pacific practices, FestPAC emerged as a powerful symbol of cultural revival and unity. Its inaugural edition in Suva, Fiji, back in 1972, known then as the South Pacific Festival, laid the groundwork for what would evolve into one of the most revered cultural gatherings in the Pacific.

Since its inception, FestPAC has served as a vibrant tapestry, weaving together the diverse traditions, arts, and customs that define the Pacific Island cultures. Against the backdrop of recent advancements such as the Pacific Islands Forum 2022's Blue Pacific Implementation Strategy and the U.S Pacific Partnership Strategy, championed by the Biden-Harris Administration, this year's FestPAC, hosted by the United States, signifies a pivotal moment in the relationship between Pacific partners.

On the sidelines of FestPAC, a series of celebrations and conferences will convene, including the Young Pacific Leaders Institute, for Pacific Heads of State and young Pacific leaders to strategize and envision the future of the Blue Pacific region. Yet, amidst these discussions, there remains a crucial question: What about the U.S Pacific diaspora?

While FestPAC aims to engage Pacific leaders from the region, there's a growing call to include voices from the U.S Pacific diaspora. A quick study of the history of U.S public diplomacy will tell you of the long-term iron curtain that was placed between the American public and the U.S foreign affairs. It was not until 2012 when the Smith Mundt Act (Google later) was amended to allow the U.S government to pull the domestic public into the conversation on matters of foreign affairs.

Although the new way of public diplomacy is still in its infancy stage, the U.S Pacific diaspora should be part of these conversations especially if it includes the government attempting to build a presence within the Blue Pacific region using soft-power repertoire. However, the only type of participation offered to U.S Pasifika diaspora at the FestPac festival seems to be a consumer one, with many of these closed convenings requiring an eligibility of participants to be a resident and citizen of countries in the Pacific Islands. 

As Pacific Islanders,  we are equally knowledgeable and passionate about our heritage, and can contribute to discussions on geopolitical issues and advocate for our own communities' interests alongside our Pasifika peers who will be joining from the Blue Pacific region, but more importantly to our own government. 

As Aunty Haunani K Trask once emphasized, cultural activism goes hand in hand with political engagement. For many Pacific Islander-Americans, participation in discussions around the future of the Blue Pacific region is not just a desire but a necessity. They seek to ensure that their voices are heard and that the government and nation they belong to uphold the values and aspirations of their Pacific heritage.

In essence, FestPAC 2024 presents an opportunity not only to celebrate cultural diversity but also to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration, bridging the gap between Pacific Islanders and the U.S Pacific diaspora. By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity, FestPAC has the potential to become a catalyst for positive change, uniting Pacific communities both near and far in their shared journey towards a brighter future.