The National Cultural Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Papua New Guinea’s Indigenous cultures by presenting a certificate of recognition to the Hulunamule Festival Committee during a special ceremony held on Thursday, 8th May 2025.

Presented at the event were Mr. David Taim, Executive Manager for the Festival, Marketing, Cultural Development, and Arts Industry at NCC, Hulunamule Festival Chairman, Mr. Hiri Mark Akape, Community Leader Representative, Mr. Paiwasa Olape, Community leaders from Hela, and Staff from the National Cultural Commission.

In a bid to promote and revive traditional practices, the NCC has identified Hela Province. Executive Manager for the Festival, Marketing, Cultural Development, and Arts Industry, Mr. David Taim, said, “The Hela cultural group is the most well-disciplined group we take overseas to represent Papua New Guinea at international events. Despite negative perceptions that have built up around the region in recent years.”

He said, “We can showcase the Huli culture through events like this. We will use the festival to promote the image of the province.”

The Hulunamule Festival aims to not only preserve traditional knowledge but also rebuild social cohesion through cultural celebration.

Festival Chairman Mr. Hiri Mark Akape expressed gratitude for the NCC’s support: “We thank the National Cultural Commission for supporting us and our festival.”

He said, “Every village in Hela has its own storiHes regarding its land. We are hoping to get everyone involved and even encourage kids in schools to write traditional stories.

Though cultures are fading, efforts like the Hulunamule Festival aim to revive and celebrate them.”
Community Leader Representative Mr. Paiwasa Olape said. “Hela has a custom and culture, and they have a big story to tell. It is deeply rooted in their culture.

The location of the festival was once a local trade centre where people from all over Hela came to exchange goods and services during the barter system. We need your help to promote peace in Hela so we can go back to the way we were before.”

The festival also stands as a countermeasure to the growing influence of foreign ideologies, which many in the region believe have contributed to the fading away of their traditional values. Community leaders believe that this cultural loss has led to social instability and see the revival of traditions as key to restoring harmony.

Through continued backing from national institutions like the NCC and the involvement of local leaders, schools, and communities, the Hulunamule Festival is poised to become a beacon of cultural pride and unity for Hela Province and Papua New Guinea at large.

The National Cultural Commission presented a certificate of recognition to the Hulunamule Festival Committee as a formal show of support for the event.