Proud Kuku-Yalanji man, Jeremy Donovan recently travelled to the Solomon Islands as part of an Australian High Commission initiative to promote cultural exchange and education.

His visit, from February 2-10, includes engagements with schools, markets, and local communities in Makira and Kaurukuna provinces.

Mr Donovan, who made history by becoming the first Aboriginal person to play the yigi yigi (Digeridoo) on Mt. Everest said the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of local people was a privilege.

"This exchange is an incredible privilege for me because I get to come and walk in the footsteps of local people," he said.

"Especially travelling out to some of the more remote regions."

Mr Donovan's trip follows a previous visit to the Solomon Islands' Central Province, where he engaged with communities and performed at the Tulagi market.

This year, he has expanded his outreach, visiting several schools, including FM Campbell Memorial School, Manama Primary School, St Stephen Secondary School, and Wayma Poro Secondary School.

"Last year we visited the Western province and it was an incredible experience," Mr Donovan said.

"But this year... we've visited Central province and had an incredible experience."

Mr Donovan's work is part of a broader cultural partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands, including a recent $230 million Solomon Islands dollar investment by the Australian government into the nation's education sector.

"I've had the privilege of performing in Buckingham Palace at Carnegie Hall, but to sit in those classrooms with those kids and their eyes are so wide open, you know what you are sharing will have a lasting impact," he said.

"Money can't buy that experience."

One moment that stood out to him occurred in Makira province, where he invited a nine-year-old girl on stage to try the clapsticks.

He later saw her at the market recording his performance, and that evening, she arrived at his accommodation with a carving from her grandfather.

"She wanted to give me the carving as a gift for sharing the clapsticks with her," he said.

"It just really leaves an imprint on your heart.

"This is what purpose is about."

Mr Donovan also reflected on a significant cultural connection he encountered in the Solomon Islands.

"In Haleta village, I met a family who are direct descendants of people affected by blackbirding and had connections with First Nations people in Far North Queensland," he said.

"It was a beautiful cultural exchange."

His visit concluded with performances in Honiara, where he collaborated with one of the Solomon Islands' most well-known musicians.

"It was an opportunity to showcase how culture lives and breathes together," he said.

"One of the great privileges we have as First Nations artists is combining our music and arts across the world."

Through his music, art, and storytelling, Mr Donovan continues to strengthen Indigenous connections across the Pacific, reinforcing the importance of cultural preservation and exchange.