Celebrating Utah Pacific Island Heritage Month

SALT LAKE CITY — August is the 11th year Utah will officially celebrate the rich heritage of the more than 50,000 Pacific Islanders, Melanesians, Micronesians and Polynesians living in Utah.

Utah is the only state to recognize August as Pacific Island Heritage Month. Many states, including Utah, celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.

But islanders have had a presence in the Beehive State long before either month was officially recognized. Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders settled Iosepa, Tooele County, in the late 1880s. Utah has the fifth-largest statewide Pacific Islander population. The state also has a larger Pacific Islander percentage than anywhere else on the mainland, according to census data.

The theme for this year's Utah Pacific Island Heritage Month is "Building a Legacy." Gov. Spencer Cox stressed that during this month, we celebrate a community that is "as vast and varied as the islands they descend from."

"(The theme) reminds us of those early settlers," Cox said in an announcement about the month. "Despite being disadvantaged and far removed from their homelands, they were able to lay a foundation of hard work, perseverance and a sense of community for the generations who followed, helping today's Pacific Island community to thrive."

Below is a list of events taking place during the month.

Skate night

Millcreek Commons is hosting a Pacific Islander skate night on Friday from 6-10 p.m. Admission is free and skate rentals are $5. The event will include islander food trucks, live music and cultural performances.

11th annual Utah Pacific Island Heritage Month Kickoff

This celebration hosted by Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resource will be Saturday, 5-10 p.m., at Lodestone Park in Kearns. The free family event will have activities for all ages, vendors, sports, Pacific Island food and performances.

Friendly Islands Tongan Festival

This three-day festival is Aug. 10-12 and is organized by the National Tongan American Society. The free festival is held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Jordan Park in Salt Lake City. There will be food vendors, arts and crafts, performances, a kids' corner and music.

Fiji Association of Utah's Back to School Party

This potluck-style party is Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Harvey Park in Cedar Hills. Families can enjoy a splash pad, volleyball courts, and pickleball courts. More information, including a food sign-up, is available on the association's Facebook page.

'Tatau: Marks of Polynesia' art exhibit

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is celebrating the opening of the exhibit "'Tatau: Marks of Polynesia" on Aug 12 at 5 p.m. The exhibit explores the art of Samoan tattooing, known as "Tatau," which provides a strengthened sense of identity and understanding of Samoan culture and values. More information on the exhibit is available on the museum's website.

Saratoga Springs End of Summer Luau

This event will be held at Neptune Park in Saratoga Springs, with food trucks opening at 6 p.m. and an interactive performance by Noa Polynesia performers and fire dancers beginning at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to put on their best Luau attire and enjoy the evening.

Art of Healing Festival

This free family event will include food, entertainment, health resources, giveaways and activities. It is held Aug. 26, 4-9 p.m., at the Dow James Complex in Tooele.

Polynesian Days

Utahns can gather at Electric Park in Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, on Sept 1, 2 and 4 to celebrate Polynesian heritage, culture, food and health. Attendees can taste Polynesian dishes, watch a fire exhibition or dance competitions, and participate in hula and ukulele lessons. More information about Polynesian Days is available online.

Correction: A previous version called the Utah Museum of Fine Arts' exhibit "Tatau: Masks of Polynesia" instead of "Tatau: Marks of Polynesia."

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