The second Dreikikier cultural show is set for 4th-6th, October, 2023 in Dreikikier district of East Sepik province.
The National Cultural Commission as the mandatory State agency and the custodian of cultural shows and festivals is keen in running and supporting district and provincial cultural shows in the country.
On Monday, 25th, September, 2023, the Dreikikier cultural show chairman Harold Melelhei travelled into Port Moresby from the district to receive a support funding of K10, 000.00 from the National Cultural Commission.
Dressing cultural show chairperson Harold Melehei told the press conference today, that this is the second year Dreikikier cultural festival will be running but, it has not received much support from the Dreikikier district and East Sepik provincial authority. However, they are adamant the show will go ahead despite the lack of support.
Mr Harold Melehei heaps praise to NCC for the continuous support in making sure the Drekikier cultural show is up and running.
“We hosted the first Drekikier cultural show with the backing from National Cultural Commission. This is the year in running which we are optimistic of promoting our culture and help maintain and keep our unique cultures alive through such festival or event,” said Mr. Melehei.
“We have some of the unique cultures in the Drekikier that needs to be preserve, protect, maintain, promote and safeguard. Hence, it is through the cultural programs and festivals that will help in keeping these cultures alive and we are thankful towards NCC for its kind support. Though, the organization is small and receive less funding from the Government but, the amount of work it does enormous and this has shown through the efforts it put towards reviving, establishing and developing cultural shows and festivals in the country,” he said.
Mr. Melehei further commented that NCC is truly going rural to connect the people with their cultures and it has been tremendous throughout the year supporting the mini festivals and shows in the community, LLGs, districts and provinces.
Mr. David Taim, Executive Manager, Festivals, marketing and cultural development service division in a press conference at the NCC Head office make’s the presentation of K10, 000 dummy cheque to Dreikikier cultural show on behalf of the Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda witness by Mrs. Jenny Jeffery, Executive manageress, corporate service, Mr. Paul Simon, executive manager, Policy and Planning division and line managers and senior officers and staff.
Mr. Taim further stated NCC is supporting community, local level government (LLG), districts and provincial cultural shows and festivals with the support of the local communities.
“We are urging all the LLG’s, districts and provincial authorities to get behind these cultural festivals and shows at their electorates or provinces. These cultural programs then enables not only people to participate in this cultural activities but, it provides the avenue to drive other development agenda’s to the communities,” he said.
National Cultural Commission has supported and funded the Sepik River crocodile festival, National Mambu and Garamut cultural festival and now the Drekikier district cultural shows all in East Sepik province this year.
