The conference, according to Marugg, brought together cultural experts from different universities and organizations throughout the world to address the issues of the Ausronesian indigenous people.
“Topics were focused on the areas of nation and culture, how the indigenous people in the Pacific continue to sustain themselves,” shared Marugg. “The discussions were centered on cultural planning and mapping, exchange of cultural knowledge, cultural industries, ecotourism and using media to convey their message.”
The Austronesian Conference has been taking place for seven years now, and Palau hosted the even in 2006.
“The overall idea is to ensure the components of what the creative industry can contribute to the economic development,” Marugg explained. “Strengthening the creative industry is very important because it contributes to economic development.”
For her part, Marugg said she gave a presentation about the issues in Palau in terms of cultural knowledge and cultural mapping.
“Palau needs to work with international movements. At the same time, as long as I’m in the Ministry, I’d like to work with the local community in ensuring the preservation and promotion of Palau’s culture,” shared Marugg.
One of their activities during the conference, according to Marugg, was visiting different indigenous tribes in Taiwan.
“The tribes are very much similar to Palau in many ways. And having maintained their surroundings, they have maintained themselves,” she noted.
Having recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Taiwan for cultural exchange program, Palau has been actively working with Taiwan through exchange of exhibitions and publications on cultural heritage.
“In Palau, we look at traditional arts as well as modern arts so we can incorporate them together and enjoy the continuation of traditional arts,” said Marugg. She added that Palau also needs to incorporate the modern technique and medium into traditional arts so that creativity is enhanced, at the same time the creativity of artists will expand.
“In Micronesia, we are indigenous tribes,” Marugg said. “The people in Palau and Yap and all over Micronesia, we are indigenous people. And we have many artists here – from carvers, weavers, song composers – and their efforts need to be recognized.”
