Sikaiana Cultural Village Opens with Cultural Show at Red Beach

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BY DESMOND RAHE

The Sikaiana Cultural Show opened in Red Beach settlement, showcasing tradition, music, and community spirit, marking the launch of the new Sikaiana Cultural Village in North East Guadalcanal.

The Sikaiana Cultural Show, marking the launch of the new Sikaiana Cultural Village at the Red Beach settlement in Northeast Guadalcanal.

The event brought together the Sikaiana people—a Polynesian community from the Malaita Outer Islands—who proudly showcased their rich cultural heritage to locals, tourists, and media representatives.

William W. Donner, Ph.D., Professor of Anthropology/Sociology of Kutztown University.

Dressed in traditional attire, from elders to children, the Sikaiana community filled the air with the rhythms of dance, the beat of drums, and the sounds of ancient songs passed down through generations.

Cultural performances featuring custom dancing and songs are a significant part of cultural activities.

“I am the elder of this village, Red Beach,” said Robert Sisilo, a respected community leader. “We are really happy to showcase our cultural performances to our people and also for the tourists, as part of promoting our traditional way of life.”

Sikaiana Community leader Robert Sisilo.

The cultural village features guided tours, traditional entertainment, and demonstrations of skills such as mat weaving, basket making, coconut tree climbing, and building houses from coconut leaves.

“This is a way of preserving our culture,” said Fr. Eric Tevaiola, an Anglican priest and elder in the community. “It is also part of our culture preservation, for younger generations to know.”

Fr Eric Tevaiola and Anglican priest and elder at Red Beach Sikaiana community in Northeast Guadalcanal.

Sisilo also took a moment to thank both local media outlets. “Thank you to all the local media for coming and looking at the performances. I hope through newspapers and social media, we can promote this village a little bit—not only for the people, but also for the tourists,” he added.

Locals, tourists, and media representatives at an event.
Cultural performances featuring custom dancing and songs are a significant part of cultural activities.
A local demonstration of skills, such as basket weaving.
Fr. Eric Tevaiola, an Anglican priest and elder, emphasized the importance of preserving our culture for younger generations to learn about.

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