West Papua Independence Day Commemoration & Celebration
Honoring Our History. Carrying the Spirit of Papua Merdeka Forward.
Time: 4:00–8:00 PM
Venue: Maple Student Union, Building 9000
Location: Shoreline College
16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
All communities are welcome!
Every year on December 1, West Papuans around the world commemorate the historic raising of the Morning Star flag in 1961. Here in the United States, West Papua Campaign USA and our West Papuan community also mark this important day through an annual gathering of remembrance, cultural celebration, and community connection.
This year, we will gather on Saturday, December 5, 2026, to commemorate 65 years of the Morning Star under the theme “Passing the Fire.”
The event will bring together West Papuan elders, young people, families, Pacific Islander communities, solidarity networks, and friends from different backgrounds for an evening of remembrance, storytelling, cultural performances, and community connection.
Through this gathering, we hope to honor our history, celebrate our culture, share knowledge across generations, and strengthen our relationships with friends and solidarity networks. We also hope to build connections that lead to meaningful action in support of human rights, Indigenous communities, and justice for West Papua.
On December 1, 1961, West Papua marked a significant moment in its history. At the time, West Papua remained under Dutch colonial administration, while preparations for greater Papuan self-government and eventual independence were underway.
Earlier that year, the New Guinea Council was established, giving Papuan representatives a greater role in discussions about their people’s future.
On October 19, 1961, Papuan leaders issued a political manifesto calling for the recognition of their national identity and symbols, including the name West Papua, the Morning Star flag, and the anthem Hai Tanahku Papua.
Then, on December 1, 1961, the Morning Star flag was officially raised alongside the Dutch flag in Hollandia (now Jayapura), and Hai Tanahku Papua was sung.
For many West Papuans, this day represents a defining moment in modern West Papuan nationhood — a public expression of our national identity, unity, and aspirations for self-determination.
Although West Papua did not achieve internationally recognized independence, December 1 remains deeply meaningful. It is a day to remember our history, honor those who came before us, and reflect on the hopes and aspirations that continue to be carried across generations.
“Passing the Fire” is more than just our event theme. It represents the enduring spirit of Papua Merdeka, passed from one generation to the next.
The fire symbolizes courage, resilience, hope, and the determination to protect our people’s dignity, identity, rights, and freedom.
It is the spirit that refuses to remain silent in the face of killings, human rights violations, militarization, forced displacement, and threats to Indigenous lands and forests. It is the courage to stand against colonial oppression and continue seeking justice, freedom, and self-determination.
For generations, West Papuans have carried this spirit through their stories, cultural traditions, sacrifices, and commitment to their people.
At this year’s gathering, our elders will help pass that fire to the younger generation, sharing their experiences, wisdom, and hopes for the future.
Through their voices, we hope to strengthen the connection between generations and ensure that our history, culture, and spirit continue to live on.
The fire was carried by those before us. Today, we carry it together. Tomorrow, the next generation will carry it forward.
Join us for an evening that brings together remembrance, cultural expression, shared stories, and meaningful community connections.
Planned highlights include:
Remembrance and Tribute: A moment of silence to honor those who have lost their lives, followed by the singing of Hai Tanahku Papua.
Passing the Fire: Reflections from West Papuan elders and a guest speaker, sharing experiences, wisdom, and messages for the younger generation.
Stories Across Generations: Opportunities to listen, reflect, and learn about West Papuan history, identity, and community experiences.
Cultural and Artistic Performances: A celebration of West Papuan cultural traditions, creativity, and artistic expression.
Community Connection: Time to meet fellow West Papuans, reconnect with friends, and build relationships with Pacific Islander communities, local supporters, and partner organizations.
Whether you have attended our gatherings before or are joining us for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you.
December 1 is more than a day of remembrance and cultural celebration. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges our people continue to face in West Papua today.
For West Papua Campaign USA, this gathering connects our history with our ongoing commitment to human rights, Indigenous rights, environmental protection, justice, and self-determination.
We hope to do more than remember, listen, and learn. We want to turn understanding, community connections, and solidarity into meaningful action.
Through this gathering, we hope to encourage practical and peaceful ways to raise awareness, share reliable information, support West Papuan communities, protect Indigenous rights, and build lasting relationships.
Our hope is that the conversations and connections made on December 5 will continue beyond the event.
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 4:00–8:00 PM
Location: Maple Student Union, Building 9000, Shoreline College
Address: 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
Campus Map: https://www.shoreline.edu/map/campus-map.aspx
Directions: https://www.shoreline.edu/map/directions-to-campus.aspx
Please follow posted campus signs for any parking or access changes.
For questions about the event or accessibility arrangements, please contact contact@wpc-usa.org.
Whether you are West Papuans or a friend learning about our history and culture for the first time, you are warmly welcome.
Let’s remember our history, celebrate our culture, learn from one another, and carry the fire forward together.
If you would like to learn more about December 1st, you read more in here: December 1st Historical backround and why West Papuans celebrate it
Organized by West Papua Campaign USA (WPC-USA)