Culture Compass

When ancient customs meet modern politics, who holds the power?In certain parts of the Pacific, it's always been the women. They're called matrilineal chiefly societies — where women inherit the land, titles and responsibilities.But those systems were disrupted by the patriarchal structures that followed colonisation and Christianity. Now, women chiefs are navigating their way back to a rightful place in leadership.You'll hear from three women pushing for progress: Janet Sios from New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea, Motari Amua Doreen Le'ona from Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, and NBC reporter Louiseanne Laris from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

How well do you really know your family tree?Modern life makes it harder to keep tabs on who we're connected to. Not long ago, genealogy wasn't something you had to study — it was simply passed down in conversation. But as we move to cities and drift further from our family base, that tree is becoming harder to mapFrom family reunions to social media groups and even custom-built apps, genealogy is finding fresh ways to stay alive.You'll hear from the voices helping their communities reconnect, Miyamoto Jensen, also known as The Polynesian Genealogist, DNA researcher Elena Falla Fowler, and Sonia Minniecon from Blackbird International.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

"They're our ancestors living with us, watching over our lives."Figurines, idols, and carved wooden objects have protected homes and villages for generations. Edgar Hinge from Vanuatu's Cultural Centre says the sacred slit drum, or Tamtam, is more than a carved instrument — it's a bridge to ancestors and a tool for communication.From Vanuatu's Tamtams to Trobriand Island masks and Cook Island's deity figures, carving remains a strong custom practice. But as our items reach galleries and tourist markets, could that shape what they represent?Hear from John Siguria of Trobriand Island Carvers and Cook Islands master carver Papa Mike Tavioni on how they're working to keep these traditions strong.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

Tatau is one of Samoa’s most sacred cultural practices, a responsibility carried on the body through ink. The word tatau itself speaks to duty and connection. For men, the tattoo is called the pe’a; for women, it is the malu. Receiving one is shaped by culture, identity, and service, and all traditions are guided by an ancient Samoan legend. For generations, this knowledge was held by only two families entrusted with the tools, the ceremony, and the authority to tattoo. Today, tatau is more visible than ever across Samoa and our diaspora communities. With that visibility comes concerns — stories of poorly performed tattoos and urgent questions about how a sacred practice can be protected in a modern world. To understand what is at stake, we travelled to Faleasi‘u on the west coast of Upolu to speak with Su‘a Suluape Ala‘iva‘a Petelo Suluape, a retired master tattooist and elder from one of the families.  Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.  Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

Be proud of our name and never allow the outside world to impact our relationship with it — it existed long before anything else came to our shores."How much do you really know about your name? Wendy Mocke is from Madang and Simbu provinces in Papua New Guinea. She knows that her name ties her to her village, her elders, and her heritage. Like many communities across the Pacific, Wendy's naming traditions were disrupted by colonisation and Christianity. Now, a new wave of young people is reclaiming their village names. In Palau, Kiblas Soaladaob shares how her name was chosen by her father, following a tradition that ties children to their paternal line in a matrilineal society. Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, one of Samoa's leading academics, explores how names act as anchors — marking who you come from, where you belong, and the legacy you carry forward.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

What if the world told you your cultural practice was wrong?In the Solomon Island's province of Malaita, dolphin hunting has been part of life for generations — it's a tradition closely tied to trade between tribes. But when videos of the harvest surfaced earlier this year, it sparked international outrage and a heated debate.Conservationists call it cruel and unsustainable, while locals defend it as heritage. In a changing world, how can communities honor their traditions while protecting the environment?You'll hear from Makili Lawrence Kepangi from Malaita, who's been navigating tension between traditional dolphin hunting and marine conservation. Pouli Dr. Keneti Faulalo, CEO of the Samoa Export Authority, discusses the pressures on turtles and how communities are adapting their practices to protect both culture and wildlife. And John 'Magul' Rulmal, co-founder of One People One Reef on Ulithi Atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia, explains how his community is combining traditional knowledge with science to restore reefs and safeguard their seasonal-harvesting rituals.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

"Their fingers were jumping here, there, and everywhere… it reminded them of grandmothers picking fleas from children's hair. And from that vision came the word ukulele — meaning, jumping fleas."Almost 150 years ago, Madeiran workers brought a small wooden instrument with a bright lively sound to the sugar cane fields of Hawai'i. Since then, it's travelled across the Pacific, taking on new forms, new names, and a powerful cultural role.In Hawai'i, no name is more closely tied to the ukulele than Kamaka, whose legacy now rests in the hands of company president, Chris Kamaka. From the Cook Islands, ukulele player and academic Ma'ara Maeva — now a learning specialist at Auckland Museum in Aotearoa, New Zealand — shares how the instrument has been reimagined, adapted, and woven into Pacific culture.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

"It's not just history. It's an everyday safety risk for ordinary families trying to live a normal life."Eighty years after World War II, the Pacific is still living with its scars. Rusting shipwrecks leak oil. Unexploded bombs lurk beneath schools and backyards. And the families of children of wartime unions are still searching for fathers they never knew.You'll hear from Maeverlyn Pitanoe, a blast survivor fighting to clear hidden explosives in the Solomon Islands; Dr Saui'a Louise Mataia-Milo, who uncovers the stories of Samoan women and the children left behind by U.S. servicemen; and Georgina Korah, tracing her own mother's wartime history in Vanuatu.The war may have ended decades ago — but its legacy is still alive.Listen to this episode of Culture Compass with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

For centuries, chiefly systems have been the backbone of governance and community leadership. While there can be similarities across the region, each country has their own uniquely designed system. They're ancient, sophisticated and complex.Influenced and reshaped by Western colonial powers, they now face the complex realities of the modern world, including the expanding Pacific diaspora community across the globe.So how do traditional systems work? And what can they teach us about the future of leadership?Hear Pohnpeiian Senator Nahnapas Aisek Artui break down how his system works within the Federates States of Micronesia. Plus, Culture Compass' Executive Producer Faleagafulu Inga Stunzner flips the script with host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche. Together, they dive into what their own titles mean and how the Samoan matai system continues to guide communities today.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

Pacific fashion is breaking through on the global stage. But with that spotlight comes a new set of challenges: mass-produced knock-offs, cultural theft, and legal roadblocks that leave creators vulnerable.So how can creators protect their designs and grow their brands at the same time? Ellen Whippy Knight, the force behind Fiji Fashion Week, says it starts with awareness, education and upskilling.You'll also hear from Dr Emelihter Kihleng about how the Pohnpei skirt — or urohs — has been threatened by overseas replicas. Plus, Solomon Islands copyright lawyer Maito'o Hauirae breaks down the complex world of intellectual property law in the Pacific.Join host Afamasaga Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche on this episode of Culture Compass, ABC Radio Australia.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

From local beaches to world championships, a rising movement of Pacific board riders are charting a new course for surfing."Just being a brown person in the water is a claim to space."In the Australian waters where Kuntamari Croft surfs, Pasifika board riders are rare. She's part of a rising movement demanding greater Pacific presence in lineups of beaches worldwide.Meanwhile, in Papua New Guinea, "The Godfather of Surfing" Andy Abel is driving policies he created to that reshape the region's social and surf culture.And on the global stage, Hawaiian Seth Moniz is the only Kanaka Maoli touring with the World Surfing Leage. He's inspiring the next generation of professional surfers.Together, these passionate surfers are shaping policy, driving social change, and championing a Pacific-led surf culture recognised worldwide.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

Long before it became a billion-dollar industry or a lifestyle trend, surfing was a sacred practice across the Pacific. But that history has long been overshadowed. Commercialised, colonised, and repackaged for the masses, surfing's true origins have often been left out of the story.Now, a movement is growing to reclaim the waves. Hawai'ian historian and academic vice-president of Brigham Young University, Dr Isaiah Helekunihi Walker, takes us back to surfing's birthplace. In Hawai'i, it's called He'e Nalu, and it's always been a way of life that connected people to the ocean, community and land. ABC Radio Australia's Culture Compass host Afamasaga Seiluli Salamasina von Reiche dives into the true roots of surfing and the growing movement to reclaim it as a vital part of Pacific culture.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

Fiji is restoring its traditional chiefly leadership systems, so how does it fit with modern governance?In Fiji, you’re born into the role of chief. But for over two decades, the Lau Group, the largest of Fiji’s 14 provinces, has been without a paramount chief. Until now. ABC's Lice Movono takes us to Lakeba Island, where the installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara marked the return of one of the country’s most revered chiefly titles. She shares just how significant this moment was, not only for Fiji but for the region.This historic event follows the reinstatement of Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs, a body abolished in 2012 under military rule. Its new chairman, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, shares how the Council is adapting in the modern world.ABC Radio Australia podcast host Afamasaga Seiluli Salamasina von Reiche looks asks what do these changes mean for Fiji’s future? Could they mark the beginning of a wider return to traditional governance across the Pacific?Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

"This is what I'm known for. It's my identity"In the Fijian village of Nayawa, Akesa Vaka Kunabuli is keeping the ancient art of Lapita pottery making alive. It's one of the only remaining places continuing this particular technique.It's a style that once travelled across the Pacific, carried by the Lapita people who migrated from modern-day Taiwan over 3,000 years ago. But the story doesn't end there.Each shard found maps a chapter in one of the most complex human migrations in history. Recently, pottery shards have been uncovered in unexpected places like Papua New Guinea and northern Queensland. It's challenging what we thought we knew, and suggesting the Lapita journey stretched even further than imagined.Fijian archaeologist Dr Tarisi Vunidilo puts it simply: "The more Lapita sites we find, the more information we keep adding to our collective history." With new technology and a growing movement to preserve this art, we're not just expanding our understanding, we're safeguarding its future.Yet climate change is starting to affect how potters like Akesa source clay and dry their pieces. So what happens when the environment that sustains this ancient practice begins to shift? What will become of the craft, and the identity it carries?Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

What began when WWII soldiers brought guitars to our shores has grown into the defining strums of island string bands.  Now, that sound is under pressure. Electronic music is rising. AI technology is trying to replicate it. Is this how string music is naturally evolving, or do we need to get back to our roots?  You'll hear from Sir George Telek, the legendary voice who saw Papua New Guinea's string band skills recognised on the world stage, as well veteran Solomon Islands broadcaster Ashley Wickham, who shares how a shared sound unites such a linguistically diverse nation. And in Vanuatu, musician Sam Firi continues his father's legacy, using string band music to hold a community together.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

The silhouette of the Great Frigate Bird is hard to miss — glossy black feathers, deeply forked tail, and long, slender wings that slice through the sky. But it's more than just a sea bird, its significance runs deep in our culture.For many island nations, the frigate bird stands as a powerful symbol of strength, freedom, and endurance. We capture it in coming-of-age ceremonies, weave its form into our dances and tattoos, and proudly feature it on Kiribati's national flag.But now, rising seas, coastal development, and climate change are destroying the habitats they rely on. And when they stop coming, what might disappear with them?Siosenamele Lui from SPREP sums it up clearly, "If we start to lose these keystone species, we start to lose the language and the knowledge. And bit by bit, our stories become incomplete."You'll also hear how Rooti Terubea from Kiribati, and George Quadina from Nauru are preserving the spirit of the frigate bird through the enduring traditional pastime of frigate bird catching.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, shaping our lives faster than we can keep up.It's generating stories, images and videos that blur the boundaries between truth and fiction. But for Pacific communities, the stakes are even higher. AI is harvesting Indigenous knowledge, detaching it from its cultural roots, and reframing it through a Western lens. Is this the newest wave of colonial propaganda?AI ethicist Dr Karaitiana Taiuru poses a powerful question: "What do we do when our stories aren't our stories anymore?"In this episode, Julia Pahina and Namulau'ulu Nu'uali'i Eteroa Lafaele, founders of Aotearoa-based tech company Fibre Fale, share how Pacific communities can reclaim agency. They're building pathways for Indigenous engagement with AI, empowering people to shape technology on their own terms.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

For years, gigantic stone monuments have been hidden underneath forest overgrowth in villages across Samoa. Built by the hands of our ancestors, without tools or machines.Some believe these particular stone mounds were used as a portal to the spirit world, but their original use is still mystifying. Now, modern technology is helping to uncover these ancient structures dotted across the region."This is a reawakening of an aspect of culture that has been dormant," says Samoan heritage artist Galumalemana Steven Percival, who's been working to preserve the Potini Tia Seulupe — a stone mound found in the Samoan village of Sa'anapu on the south coastal region of Upolu in Samoa.And anthropologist Meked Besebes shares how LiDAR drone technology is helping her nation map out, preserve and protect the sacred earthworks of Palau.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stone tools were the foundation of civilisation across the Pacific. They were the instruments used to build homes, craft gardens and protect against enemies. In ancient times you needed a stone tool to survive.In modern times, stone tools have been replaced with other materials and technologies, but in doing this have we lost something along the way?Christopher Tep, an agriculturalist from the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea, keeps a traditional stone axe hung on the wall of his home as a proud reminder of the foundations that shaped his craft.Meanwhile, Samoan experimental archaeologist Galumalemana Steve Percival and Ragitaane master carver Warren Warbrick have been at the forefront of a stone tool revival. They've been learning the ways of their ancestors to preserve the art of stone tool making for future generations.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

Australia alone is holding the remains of almost 1,500 Pasifika ancestors. Remains that were snatched from their homelands — some less than a century ago.Last season on Culture Compass we lifted the lid some of the biggest museums across the world storing these human remains in their archives. Most of our communities weren't even aware. Since then, things have been changing, but is it enough?You'll hear from Fijian anthropologist Tarisi Vunidilo who's working with museums across the world on repatriation. We'll check in with Clacy Fatnowna, President of the Queensland United Australian South Sea Islander Council. Plus, Melissa Malu from the Australian Museum in Sydney speaks of a successful repatriation to her homeland of Tonga.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

Standing on ancestral soil and dressed in traditional garments, we channel their mana when we dance.But in a modern world with contemporary influences, how do we keep true to their movements and continue to tell their stories?You'll hear about the Fijian Meke from Simione Sevudredre and the sacred Palauan women's dance from Ikelau Misech. Plus, Sandy Sur and his aunty Cicilia Lolomle from Vanuatu's Banks Islands share how their practice of women's water dancing preserves their heritage in a fun way.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

Cherishing our ancestors is engrained in our culture, so when our loved ones leave this earth, it’s important to help their spirit find peace. And funeral rites have changed dramatically over the years.

In Semisi's Qalica's barber shop, young men want a style that'll turn heads. Bleached mullets, shaved horseys, fades and hair tattoos, they want what their favourite sporting star has.These trending cuts across the Pacific go beyond just looking good— they represent identity, culture, and deeper connection to community.You'll hear from Tongan former rugby star turned hairdresser, Tevita Mailau — well known for his iconic horsey. Plus hairdresser Semisi Qalica dishes what fresh styles he's seeing on the streets of Suva, and Eric Whipps, owner of OJ Cutz Hairdressing in Koror, shares the cuts he's most asked for by young Palauans.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

In the Pacific, land is intrinsically tied to identity, culture and mana. But with international pressure pushing changes to customary ownership, how can locals protect their home and resources in a world pushing expansion? 

John Kanai grew up watching his uncles and grandfathers blow and beat the traditional bamboo panpipes in Malaita, his Solomon Islands home.They've continued panpipe tradition for many years, but in other parts of the Pacific, the sounds of our ancestors were forced to stop when colonial missionaries arrived.

A proposal of marriage has changed so much over the years. For our ancestors relationships were often seen as political alliances, binding certain families or clans together. At the centre of all this was a village matchmaker.

Blackbirding was the forced labour trade that uprooted Pacific Islanders, landing them on ships headed to far away shores.It's a disturbing chapter of history and while Australia's involvement has been somewhat documented, the true scale of blackbirding across the Pacific remains largely unknown. From remote islands to distant lands like Peru, there are still countless untold stories of where our ancestors were taken and the impact this dark history has left behind.You'll hear from Dr Line Noue-Kruse, a Samoan historian on how blackbirding fit into the context of a global slave trade. Plus, Imelda Miller, curator of the 'Say Our Names: Australian South Sea Islander' exhibition at Queensland Museum in Brisbane Australia. You'll also hear from Tongan Bishop Silouan Silala Vea traces the journey of his ancestors who were taken from Tonga to Peru.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

From the basalt boulders of Nan Madol to the monolithic moai of Rapa Nui, Pacific stone structures reveal astonishing engineering feats. Hear from Historic Preservation Officer Augustine Kohler as well as anthropologists Tarita Rapu and Meked Besebes, as we uncover the mysteries behind these ancient Pacific cities.

Dust off your cowboy hat, boots and belt buckles!Think back to your last family gathering. The kava's flowing, the aunties are dancing, and everyone's singing along to the music. What's playing? Possibly Dolly Parton or Luke Combs?

You probably know about the last moments of the Rainbow Warrior. But what do you know about the Greenpeace ship's last voyage before it was bombed by the French in New Zealand in 1985? Where had it come from, why was it there and what was it doing? Find out in The Last Voyage of the Rainbow Warrior.

Our elders are the keepers of our cultural keys. But what happens when they don't share it?Rotuma, an island of Fiji, is home to an ancient traditional headdress called the Suru. But the knowledge of this artefact only lies with a select few elders. They'd never been asked to share their wisdom so this special headdress hadn't been woven or worn for 1000 years.You'll hear from Letila Mitchel, a Rotuman artist, who led a team to seek out one of the few elders who held knowledge of the Suru. Iane Atalifo was part of the group from, Rako Pasefika, and shares his experiences helping to re-create the head dress and bring it to life, by wearing it while performing the dance of the warrior.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

Rising sea levels are swallowing up traditional homes. So, how do you preserve a culture, when the land it’s tied to is slipping away? Some of the most affected nations like Tokelau and Tuvalu are taking proactive steps to document and record their sacred sites, their language and their cultural practices as a last resort.  And they’re looking to unexpected places – like the metaverse and museums – to help them in the process. You’ll hear from Paula Faiva, the Director for the Ministry of Climate, Oceans & Resilience in the Tokelau Government with a long history of fighting for climate justice in Tokelau, as well as Moira Simmons from the Tuvaluan Government about her country’s plans to go digital with their cultural preservation strategy. Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

Ferocious vocals and loud guitars, metal is the perfect way to let out your frustrations – and it's found an unlikely home in the Pacific.

Papua New Guinea is a country of steep valleys, raging rivers, thick rainforest — and not to mention the Pacific Ocean – that makes traversing the country a precarious task. So when people migrate from their villages to the capital Port Moresby, sometimes they're leaving for good. But just because you leave your village for the city, it doesn't mean you can't continue to practice your culture when you're away from home. In fact, distance makes the heart grow fonder, and we develop a deeper appreciation for the cultures we left behind.  In this episode we traverse Papua New Guinea to hear how three women are staying connected to their cross-country cultures. Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. ​​​​​​​

"Once those drums play, I'm home."It's a long way for Michael Chow to travel to visit his family on Bipi Island in Papua New Guinea. But when he hears the beat of the garamut – the slit drum from his island – it's as if he is really there.Across the Pacific, drumming is so much more than just for entertainment. For Henry Franheim, it connects him back to Rarotonga, and Tiani Liufau's family beats link back to Tahiti and Samoa.So what's so special about our rhythmic obsession – and how future-proof is this practice?Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

"I would love to see young people, after seeing our videos, do videos about their own native language, because we have 800 plus different languages in Papua New Guinea which are slowly dying out because we are not preserving it."Emily Papa has taken to TikTok in an attempt to save the local dialect of Enga Province, her hometown in PNG, the most linguistically diverse country on the planet. Let that sink in for a minute!It's more than just words too, all across the Pacific our languages hold the key to ancient customs and lore, but as more and more people move away from their villages and need to communicate in cities, some languages are facing a dire future.In this episode of Culture Compass, you'll hear how different dialects are being preserved in PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

Across the Pacific, rugby is considered the national sport. But nowhere is this passion more on display than in Fiji.When players take the field, they embody the warrior spirit of their ancestors. Fans travel for hours just to cheer their team on from the stands. Regardless of what side you're on, things always get pretty heated.But why? Is it deeper than just heat of the moment passion?We asked Fijian journalist and rugby lover Lice Movono and anthropologist Dr Tarisi Vunindilo about why rugby feels like so much more than just a game in Fiji.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

Far away from their island homes, our artefacts, tools and art are pinned to the walls of museums across the world – ensnared in the grip of colonial institutions. How did they get there? And more importantly, how do we get them back?

Across eight new episodes of Culture Compass, host Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche is still unpacking the big questions that keep us up at night.You'll hear stories from all over, like how a group of Rotuman artists unlocked ancestral knowledge held for thousands of years in Fiji, and how young people in Papua New Guinea are keeping their local languages alive on TikTok.Ultimately we're trying to understand how culture is evolving across the islands and we're finding surprising twists – like how did heavy metal become the sound of the Islands?You can check out plenty of stories in the Culture Compass feed, and make sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app for more or listen live on ABC Radio Australia or the ABC Pacific website.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

"It’s about empowering the people.”Reggae has become so significant for music lovers across the Pacific it’s more than just mellow sounds – it's almost a spiritual experience.Every island has their own stories to tell, from growing up in the settlements of Port Moresby to liberation from colonial powers in Port Vila.The sound has evolved over the years with the changing times but how does it remain relevant to today’s issues?You’ll hear from Vanuatu-based lead singer of Stan and the Earth Force, Stanleyson Antas, Papua New Guinean musician Anslom Nakikus and Kelly Lena who writes songs about day-to-day life in Honiara, her home in Solomon Islands.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

In all tales of Pacific cultures, we're shown as voyagers, connecting with the elements and ocean to navigate the seas.Our ancestors were travelling to trade, to deepen our understanding of the world and to build connection. Every island had their own understanding of the elements and seas, and this knowledge was passed down through stories in our oral tradition.But colonisation brought in new technologies and tools, pushing out our traditional ways. That is until a group of keen sailors began the process of reviving the skills.You'll hear from master navigator Peia Patai, who founded Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation to upskill young people and keep the wayfinding traditions alive. Apprentice navigator, Kai Hoshijo is currently part of the team on four-year journey, navigating the Pacific on board the Hōkūleʻa.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

We're known as movers and migrators but trekking away from the islands doesn't mean we lose our cultures in the diaspora.

Like a lot of Pacific Island cultures, we breathe life into our stories through movement and dance. But there's something different about Hula — the poetic fluid movement and mesmerising music. It tells a story of survival.

In the New Ireland province of Papua New Guinea, the men of the village sing to sharks to catch them to provide food for the village. But as marine life faces threats from commercial fishing and environmental challenges, can this time-honoured tradition weather the storm and endure our ever-changing world?

Is hair ever really – "just hair"? Across the Pacific, each nation has its way of respecting and celebrating the hair on our heads. It plays a role in our culture and dress, and it becomes important at different stages of life and death.