In this two-part story, Oceania Currents dives into Guåhan’s rich and complex relationship with the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), produced with guest host Eva Aguon Cruz.

In episode one, we hear from three leading CHamoru cultural practitioners as they reflect on their journeys through FestPAC, from Guåhan’s first participation in 1976 to today: Leonard Iriarte, master chanter and founder of I Fanalai’an Oral History Project; Julie “Mama Jill” Benavente, master carver from artist co-operative Guinahan CHamoru; and Raphael Unpingco, multidisciplinary artist based at Sagan Kotturan CHamoru.