Focus Hawaii: Pioneers in the Pacific Opening Ceremony Part II

Authors

• Lance Chase

Files

Description

Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii showcases stirring performances from BYU–Hawaii’s sesquicentennial celebration of Pioneers in the Pacific, featuring a powerful cultural and spiritual presentation by representatives from Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The program highlights the Cook Islands’ portrayal of the coming of Christianity—Te Atu Omo—through prophecy, chant, drumming, and dramatized storytelling. The performance interweaves Pacific heritage with scriptural narratives, including the journeys of Lehi and Nephi, the division of Nephite and Lamanite peoples, the destruction at Christ’s crucifixion, and the Savior’s appearance to the people in the Americas. Through vivid imagery of the birdman (Te Mamaia), celestial symbols, and the voice from heaven, the presentation expresses deep gratitude for the gospel and honors the connection between Polynesian identity, ancestry, and faith. The episode captures the reverence, artistry, and cultural pride of this Cook Islands tribute as part of the larger campus‑wide commemoration.

Length of Video

00:30:01

File Size

2.5GB

Archives Call Number

22.FH

Air Date

Winter 1-14-1998

Keywords

Focus Hawaii, Pioneers in the Pacific, Part 2, BYU–Hawaii celebration, Cook Islands performance, Rarotonga cultural presentation, Te Atu Omo, Pacific pioneers, missionary arrival reenactment, Polynesian heritage, Christian prophecy, Nephi and Lamanite story, Book of Mormon dramatization, birdman tradition Te Mamaia, island spirituality, sesquicentennial celebration, Laie cultural events, Polynesian storytelling

Disciplines

Architecture | Arts and Humanities | Education

Recommended Citation

Chase, Lance, "Focus Hawaii: Pioneers in the Pacific Opening Ceremony Part II" (1998). Focus Hawaii. 157.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/focushawaii/157