A people’s effort to protect traditional knowledge as a generation passes on

For the people of Aronis village long the North Coast of Madang, it is difficult to measure the rate at which their cultural practices are being lost every year.

Like many communities in Papua New Guinea, traditional knowledge is held by  the older generation and passed on to the young through word of mouth.   It is ‘living’ knowledge and ever evolving.

But these days, knowledge  is passed on only to those willing to listen and that number is dwindling.   

When Barbara Gigimat, a Aronis elder initiated the Food and Culture Festival in August, she brought together people who were custodians of different kinds of knowledge.  It was the first time in many years that the richness and diversity in the small community was presented and appreciated.

“Previously, we thought out culture was dying out slowly. But now, we realize that the decline is happening very quickly,” she says.  “Many of our old people are dying and they’re taking their knowledge and wisdom with them.”

On the road leading to the main village, many of the young men are drunk on cheap homemade alcohol.  They represent part of a bigger problem. The breakdown of traditional systems of governance and family units over half a century has seen a rise in social problems.

The young men and women are not being guided as they would have in the past. Many come from families who have returned to the villages after their parents retired from active employment. They are forced into an unfamiliar environment and many  bring back influences common in the lower social classes of Papua New Guinea’s burgeoning urban population.

Others are absorbing the full brunt of development  coupled with poor education and lack of opportunities.

“We initiated this festival because of the young men and women.  We are tired of having to deal with the alcohol abuse and the troubles associated with it. We have to pay compensation when our boys fight with people in neighboring villages,” Barbara says.

“We realized that if we don’t address these problems, they will continue to worsen.”

At a small in the middle of the village square, Andrew Fei, a food security trainer explains the traditional cropping calendar that is still in use today.

He teaches people about the seasons and weather patterns. He is reviving aspects of traditional knowledge lost over the years.

“Traditionally, our ancestors didn’t live on the coast. They lived in the hills. This was so they would observe the sun and plan their planting cycles.  They didn’t just plant all year round.”

For this festival, Barbara and the planning committee wanted  it to be al all local affair without any tourists.

“If we brought  in tourists, we will be obliged to look after them. They would be a distraction.  Many of the participants will not be actively passing on the knowledge they possess to the kids.”

Barbara hopes to have more people join future festivals.

“The need to pass on knowledge and to document the wisdom we have had become critical. As the older generation passes on, we will be left without the guidance that young people need. It is, therefore, crucial that more people are involved in this effort.”