Ever heard of the “Pasin Ples Policy”? Neither did I. But the National Cultural Commission (NCC), have made it known. “Pasin Ples" means ‘our traditional ways’ — the way our people used to live, speak, dress, and celebrate a long time ago, and still do today (but not so much). The Pasin Ples Policy is like a big promise made by government to protect, teach, and keep alive all the special things that make our culture unique, like our cultural dances. Here’s four ways you can help to protect your “Pasin Ples”: 1. Learn your mother tongue Yes, I know English is important to learn in school, but most of us grew up speaking tok pisin and the lucky ones, learned their mother tongue from a young age. If you don’t know yours, better start learning. 2. Participate in cultural activities Those cultural shows where you learn songs and dances from your home province? Yep. Participating in those helps you appreciate your heritage more. 3. Listen to and share stories Your grandparents and the uncles and aunties in your village are usually the best people for that. Those stories about your ancestors or how a certain river came to be in your village. Ask them about those. Maybe you can write them down and retell them to your friends. 4. Learn traditional arts and craft Do you know how to weave a bilum? Make a clay pot or carve an image from wood? No need to make something big. You can start by learning how to make something small, like a necklace. You become a guardian of your Pasin Ples when you participate in activities that help you learn about your heritage.