Ariki declare unity and self-determination for future generations

A historic gathering between Pacific and Māori royalty and traditional Oceanic leaders has marked a significant part of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.

These traditional leaders came together to sign a declaration pledging their commitment to closer relationships and to collectively share their knowledge on tackling issues affecting Pacific people and the region.

The Tuurama Ariki Declaration is their promise to use ancient indigenous expertise to guide generations forward for the protection and preservation of connection to culture, spirituality, land, and sea.

Led by Royal Ariki of Hawai’i His Grace Prince David Kawānanakoa and Māori King Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the paramount chiefs and traditional leaders pledged to bolster regional unity.

Kiingi Tuuheitia proposed the naming of the Declaration, where the word “Tuurama”, refers to the light or radiant wisdom of our ancestors guiding, and providing strength and knowledge for the journey ahead.

With the Declaration signed, it inaugurated the forming of the Osiania Traditional Leaders Forum, a dedicated space for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between Ali’i to offer ancient perspectives on issues like climate change, economic development, health, and social welfare.

While Māori currently face a turbulent political atmosphere here in Aotearoa, Kiingi Tuheitia has been putting out the call for tribal unity and strengthened ties with Pacific peoples since late last year.

His Highness and his representatives have since been meeting with several high Pacific chiefs, to discuss shared concerns on how they could better care for current and future generations.

Kiingitanga chief of staff Archdeacon Ngira Simmonds says this declaration symbolises a unity of “common heritage and shared values”.

“Earlier this year, the King met with Ariki from Fiji, Samoa, and Hawai’i to discuss their role in a world impacted by climate change, environmental degradation, economic development, and globalisation.

“As a signatory to the Tuurama Ariki Declaration, the Kiingitanga movement is committed to advocating on these issues and helping people to unite in solving these urgent problems.”

A particularly moving moment during the signing ceremony was the Paramount Traditional Chief of Pohnpei, Wasalapalap Isipahu, His Majesty Herbert Hebel singing a song of love for Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian peoples.

The occasion coincided with King Kamehameha Day and was held in the throne room of ‘Iolani Palace, the spiritual and cultural epicentre of Hawai’i.

It was a particularly serendipitous gathering as King Kamehameha III was renowned for forging diplomatic ties with Pacific monarchs during his reign.

Archdeacon Simmonds says the kaupapa will be underpinned by Kotahitanga (unity) and Mana Motuhake (self-determination) for the people of Oceania.

“Indigenous people everywhere are ready and willing to bring solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. Now is the time to listen and harness that knowledge for the benefit of our people and planet.”

FestPac wraps its celebrations this weekend.