National Cultural Commission’s recognition of the Yuri culture in the Gumini District of Chimbu Province has brought new hope to the locals.

A refreshing hope that their cultural heritage will not be totally lost, a new hope that signals solidarity and unwavering commitment to peace, unity and development in the community that has been overlooked in terms of basic services for many years. On September 25, National Cultural Commission, travelled to Dia village in the Gumini District of Chimbu Province in the form of Alex Puki, the research and development manager and Wesley Kuman, the marketing officer.

The duo presented a cheque of K10, 000 to support the Yuri Cultural show on behalf of the agency’s executive director, Steven Enomb Kilanda. The support by NCC marks the formal recognition of the festival.

Mr. Puki said the Yuri people viewed he recognition and financial support from NCC as an unprecedented gesture of government involvement in their once-forgotten part of Papua New Guinea. “It is a milestone that held great significance and promises new beginning for the people of Yuri tribe,” he said.

“For many Yuri residents, the presence of government officers from NCC in their remote region was nothing short of a miracle. After decades of neglect, the Yuri people welcomed this long overdue visit with open arms and hearts filled with hope,” Mr. Puki said.

He said he also observed an extraordinary aspect of the event seeing a display of unity among the leaders, scholars, and influential figures from the Yuri tribe.

“They came together in an impressive demonstration of solidarity and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and development within their long-overlooked society, using Yuri culture as a unifying force,” he said.

A member Yuri tribe, Joe Wemin, said the Yuri tribe now stands as a shining example of unity and harmony, drawing the admiration and envy of neighbouring tribes.