Southern Utah University’s Pacific Islander Student Association performed their annual cultural showcase March 14-16. This year’s event, titled “Tribute to the Island,” was filled with traditional songs and dances from the Pacific islands of Fiji, Tahití, New Zealand — also known as Aotearoa — Hawaii, Samoa and Tonga.
During the performance, the current political situation in New Zealand regarding the treaty between the British government and the indigenous people of the island was acknowledged.
“In 2023, the government officials have moved to remove the Māori language and culture from everyday life,” said the event narrator. “We stand with our Māori brothers and sisters as they fight against those trying to take away the mana that comes from their ancestors, their land, their history and their language.”
“Mana” is a Māori word referring to spiritual power or vitality. The audience was encouraged to cheer and sing along during the show to increase the mana of the performers.
When the Hawaiian section of the showcase began, the narrator also made a special dedication to the indigenous people of Maui, an island in the Hawaiian archipelago. In 2023, a large bushfire took the lives of 100 people and destroyed the homes of approximately 11,000 Lahaina residents.
The narrator said, “This year, the Hawaiian section pays tribute to our Lahaina ‘Ohana and the island of Maui.”
This annual performance serves as a way for Polynesian students to celebrate their heritage while also connecting with the campus community.
“I think we have a lot of Polynesian students that come here and don’t expect there to be as big of a Polynesian [population] as there is,” said Noa Taeatafa, one of the PISA advisors. “It’s a good opportunity for connection.”
Keilani Ngatuvai, a student who performed in this year’s showcase, emphasized how valuable the event is for getting in touch with her cultural heritage.
“I’ll be honest, this is the only time that I get to experience my culture,” said Ngatuvai. “It also feels so good to get up there and show that side of my culture and who I am.”
While the PISA showcase has passed, the live stream is available to watch here.
Author: Nick Stein
Photos: Nick Stein
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