Commission to promote cultural festivals

**Weapons surrendered by the Nete Lyaim community. Churches were invited to witness the ceremony before a three-day cultural festival. – Picture supplied**

THE National Cultural Commission (NCC) will be working with provinces, districts and local level governments to encourage cultural festivals in communities, an official says.
NCC executive director Steven Kilanda told The National that it aimed to unite communities and warring tribes through cultural festivals and shows.
Speaking from the experience of the Nete Lyaim community in the Lagaip-Porgera, Enga, Kilanda said culture had brought warring tribes and communities together.
He said it took NCC a year to convince the people of Nete Lyaim to agree on hosting a cultural festival.
“In preparation for the festival, they invited churches to witness the surrender of the weapons,” Kiland said.
The surrender of weapons was followed by a three-day festival.