Whether you call it an umu, imu, lovo or hangi, our traditional cooking styles and meals connect us across the Pacific
No matter where you are in the Pacific, food always brings us together. But every country does things their own way, even every family adds their own delicious flair! And those special tips and tricks are the things you can only learn by watching and helping.But what do these dishes look like with a modern twist?You'll hear from chef Denzel Sumsum, who spent his early years in Vanuatu learning how to bake from his mum and grandmother, and James Wichman, who was a professional chef for 15 years and now spends his time fishing the waters of Pohnpei.Plus Leonid Vusiilai and Laurana Rakau-Tokataake from Regenerative Vanua explain how they're continuing to make the traditional foods they grew up with using sustainable practices.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.
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Tradition, gender and cultural legacy: The changing fabric of weaving
Like many cultural artforms, the art of weaving is threaded through generations. Their handywork is seen every day in our household items like mats, bags and fans.But if younger generations aren't sitting and observing their elders to learn these intricate inner workings, what could this mean for the future of woven goods?You'll hear from from Nancy Mahuna, a Papua New Guinean weaver from Iokea in the Gulf Province, as well as Tongan weaver Sione Mailaseni, who's not letting the fact that he's a man stop him from reviving ancient weaving styles that were traditionally practiced by women.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.
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From sacred ritual to market commodity: What does the future look like for a beloved Pacific sea delicacy?
Under the light of the Spring moon, the reefs of Samoa and Fiji come alive. Swarms of mysterious, thin sea worms wriggle out from the coral to mark the changing seasons and bring life to traditional feasts.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.
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From forest to future: How land clearing and a changing earth are altering the seeds of our culture
Our trees don't tell us what they use to.The elders of Tagaloa Cooper's home island of Niue are noticing big shifts in their surroundings. The trees and plants they once looked to as indicators of weather patterns and animal migrations aren't growing the same anymore.So, what happens to our practices when our access to these valuable resources changes or even disappears completely?Tagaloa's experience is one that's been shared across the Pacific. She's part of an organisation called SPREP that's taking action for a sustainable future. You'll also hear from Saui'a Louise Mataia, a Samoan researcher whose part of a university led initiative called POCCA. They're informing the policy makers on how to enact real change in climate and development action.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.
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From Tradition to technology: Navigating the generational cultural shift in the Pacific
In a world that's always shifting, the timeless wisdom of our elders becomes more precious with each passing day.Their knowledge and skills aren't something you can study in the classroom or in a book; it's something you learn from sitting with them and observing.But younger generations can't always spend this valuable time with their elders. So if we aren't spending the time to hear their stories and learn their crafts, their wisdom is at risk of being lost.Samoan architect Athol Greentree is passionate about preserving the ancient knowledge the Tufuga Fau Fale, weaving modern technology with their traditional building methods.Edson Willie from Vanuatu's Cultural Centre and Augustine Kohler from the National FSM Archives are also working hard to protect traditional knowledge. They're putting policies in place to futureproof their culture for the next generation.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.
Culture Compass is an exploration of survival, revival and connection throughout the Pacific.
The half-hour bespoke program, hosted by Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche, delves into the traditional and contemporary cultures in the Pacific.
It will take you all around the world as we uncover how and where our cultures are evolving - from how introduced foods like bully beef have become a part of our life to the integration of traditional and conventional medicine.
South Africa