We're known as movers and migrators but trekking away from the islands doesn't mean we lose our cultures in the diaspora.

We move away from our villages for many different reasons — it could be to play sport, for a job or to give our children different opportunities. But we always seem to find a way back home, even if it is by just knowing the best spot in the city for island comfort food.

From their tropical island homes to suburban streets, you'll hear how Meanalynn Peter connected with her Marshallese community in Arkansas, how rugby found Ryu Koliniasi Holani a new home in Japan and what Nimilote Rokotoro together with the Fijian diaspora in England.

Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 20th February 2024

You can't deny the power of sharks.

Different countries across the Pacific have their own shark-related rituals. In the New Ireland province of Papua New Guinea, it's shark calling.

The locals believe the shark holds the spirits of their ancestors — the men of the village sing to the sharks to catch them to provide food for the village.

But as marine life faces threats from commercial fishing and environmental challenges, can this time-honoured tradition weather the storm and endure our ever-changing world?

You'll hear from New Ireland's shark calling festival organiser, Godfrey Abage as well as one of the province's chief shark callers, Chris Malagan.

Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 6th February 2024

Like a lot of Pacific Island cultures, we breathe life into our stories through movement and dance. But there's something different about Hula — the poetic fluid movement and mesmerising music. It tells a story of survival.

This ancient tradition has a rich history that has persisted despite attempts to ban and commercialise the dance.

So, how are Hawai'ians of today getting back to their roots and continuing to pass their dance onto future generations?

Hear the story of cultural resistance from hula teacher and dancer, Kumu Micah Kamohoali'i and Luana Kawelu, the president of the Merrie Monarch cultural festival, which hosts the iconic hula competition each year.

Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 13th February 2024

Is hair ever really – "just hair"? Across the Pacific, each nation has its way of respecting and celebrating the hair on our heads. It plays a role in our culture and dress, and it becomes important at different stages of life and death.

The "organic" industry might seem new but it's as old as our farming traditions. In fact, half of the world's organic agricultural land is in Oceania, with nations like Samoa and Papua New Guinea leading the way.

So if that's the case, then why are nations that have survived on the produce grown solely on their islands for thousands of years struggling with food security?

Introduced crops, modern diets and environmental factors are making it harder to live off the land. So what old ways need to be preserved to create new ways for the future?

You'll hear from Jennifer Baing, a passionate advocate for preserving culinary traditions of Papua New Guinea, and Karen Mapusua, president of IFOAM Organics International, who is educating people about organic farming practices and sustainable development.

Warning – listening to this will make your mouth water!

"It's just like an early morning coffee. People wake up, take a shower, they brush their teeth, they're go and grab betelnut."

Betel nut – or buai – is everywhere in Papua New Guinea.

Buai is the seed of the Areca nut, wrapped in betel leaf… and chewed until you feel a surge of energy. It has plenty of ceremonial uses, but for everyday chewers this is a recreational activity.

However, it's addictive — even deadly. So deadly the government has tried to ban it. That's not such a simple task given the informal economy flourishing around betel nut has given many families financial stability — especially in rural areas.

So, how did this nut turn from a cultural keystone into an addictive pastime?

You'll hear from Belinda Kora, a journalist living in Port Moresby who has seen the pros and cons of the buai boom and Sprigga Mek, a rapper from Papua New Guinea whose latest song discusses his family's connection to the buai trade.

Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

​​​​​​​This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 16th January 2024

Joy, hard times, old times and changing times – Pacific Island musicians capture it all in song.

And it's not restricted to what you might call "traditional" music – we fold in the musical influences of wherever we end up in the world.

The result is Pasifika rock n roll, hip hop, RnB, any genre – you name it!

So, are there common threads that tie Pacific artists together, and how do we make sure those stories continue to be heard?

You'll hear from Aunty Kamoia about the songs of Kiribati, how Charles Maimarosia is sharing the stories of his Solomon Islands' village on stages all around the world, and why Lefaoali'i Dr Dion Enari thinks there is a renaissance of young Pacific Islanders listening to the music of their elders.

Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

Home is more than four walls and a roof, it's what happens inside that makes it special.

All across the Pacific you see sophisticated designs that reflect cultural protocols and family structures.

We've even got our own master builders and architects who hold the knowledge of these ancient construction industries.

But slowly they're being replaced by cheaper materials and imported designs. It's a conundrum that requires the best of past practices and modern methods to make sure homes across the Pacific can survive the changing environment and family needs across the islands.

You'll hear from Fijian archaeologist Dr Tarisi Vunidilo and Samoan architect Pesetā Fa'amatuainu To'oto'oolea'ava Lama Tone about the past, present and future of housing in the Pacific.

Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 10th October 2023

Think shells. Think stone. Think pandanus leaves woven into mats so delicate you could mistake them for silk.

These are the items that hold value for us. It's a different kind of currency.

It takes time, skill and cultural knowledge to make these treasures, and unlike money, you can't just print more when they run out.

So how can we preserve the skills necessary to make these priceless items, while still earning money to put food on the table?

You'll hear from Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson and Adimaimalaga Tafunai about the resurgence of women making the ie tōga, or Samoan fine mat, and Mary Sifoburi who owns the only shop where you can buy tafuliae – Solomon Islands shell money – in Honiara.

Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia. 

This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 3rd October 2023

If you grew up in the Pacific Islands, you probably have some understanding of which plants are useful and which ones to avoid.

Before we had western medicines we knew that plants save lives, and all across the Pacific we know exactly which ones were for burns, cuts and infections.

Of course there are benefits to modern medicine, but should we totally disregard the traditional ways of treating ailments, or is there a world where we can embrace both?

You'll hear about Samoan traditional medicine from Vira McCarthy and Papali'i Momoe Malietoa von Reiche, how the modern medical fraternity is bridging the divide with Dr Alipate Vakamocea and how the next generation is capturing this knowledge for the future with film-maker Josh Baker.

Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

This edition of Culture Compass was a repeat of the program broadcast on 26th September 2023