"This is the message I try to impart in my book hoping that other tribes in my province could do the same," Mr Kumbon told National Indigenous Times.

"If compensation payment for all deaths is the conclusion of all conflicts, then why not pay it in the first instance."

He said he writes to address issues that affect his community, including election violence and sorcery-related killings.

"I must not remain silent and hope that everything is going to be all right," he said.

"If somebody from another culture wrote about my country, it would be like them pointing fingers at us, accusing us as if the rest of the world was at peace.

"It was better for me as a citizen to write about our current problems and preserve our rich cultures in written form for the benefit of future generations."

Julie Mota Kondi was recognised in both the book and short story categories for her anthology 'Panonosi' and several short works.

She said her writing is grounded in cultural preservation and resistance.

"My inspiration in writing this book, Panonosi; An Anthology of short stories, is more an act of linguistic activism in the context of heritage knowledge within the Indigenous languages," she said.

She described her award win as a collective moment for her community.

"It is not me winning this award but for our people as a First Nations Indigenous tribe," she said.

"It is important for Indigenous voices to be heard in literature because a lot of times they are suppressed by institutional structures and political instrumentation towards erasure."

Glen Kaiposu Faite wrote 'Resilient Hearts' in response to the impacts of climate change on his home, Mortlock Island.

"Every time news reached me of disasters affecting my island, I get frustrated that my people and I can't do anything to ease all the problems that were affecting my island and my people due to issues beyond our control."

He hopes his story encourages action.

"If you are living in an area that is prone to disasters, rise up and do something now if you want your people and cultures to be safe.

"Even when the Indigenous can't be heard, it can be read.

"The only time people's ideas make sense is when the audience settled down and mentally digest the information through reading."

Marlene Dee Gray Potoura, who has previously won multiple awards through the festival, was honoured for her novel, Manu, which centres on family, work ethic and community.

"This story conveys a deep and profound message about resilience and perseverance," she said.

"Life often brings challenges that test our resolve, and while we may stumble and face setbacks, our work ethic should remain unwavering."

She said the story is about thriving - not just surviving.

"The bonds of friendship, support, and the profound need to love and be loved encapsulate the essence of our humanity."

Ms Potoura acknowledged the role of the festival in honouring Indigenous storytelling as it is.

"First Nations has published stories as they are, leaving the essence of our cultures flowing through our words."

Founded by Anna Borzi AM, the First Nations Writers Festival provides a platform for Indigenous authors across the Pacific and continues to grow a global readership, with nearly 2.5 million followers.

Book Award winners:

Dual by Marshall Ericho (Papua New Guinea)

Resilient Hearts by Glen Kaiposu Faite (Aro Bougainville)

Kalanay: A Tale of the Mountains by Lester Laoagan (Philippines)

Panonosi (Anthology) by Julie Mota Kondi (Papua New Guinea)

Manu by Marlene Dee Gray Potoura (Aro Bougainville)

They Chose Peace by Daniel Kumbon (Papua New Guinea)

Short Story Award winners:

Beyond Time by Kogora Hale (Papua New Guinea)

Trouble in Paradise by Marie Kima (Papua New Guinea)

One Day at the Market by Julie Mota Kondi (Papua New Guinea)

Joseph's Son by Julie Mota Kondi (Papua New Guinea)

Kumbango An Omen by Julie Mota Kondi (Papua New Guinea)

My Journey as a Four-Legged Samoan by Mareta Asenaca (Fiji Islands)

The Kumo-Kwimbo Investigation by Arnold Mundua (Papua New Guinea)

My Story, My Life by Ednal Palmer (Solomon Islands)

The Keppers of Uhina Sinovi by Marlene Dee Gray Potoura (Aro Bougainville)

Oyabanai by John Rubeia (Papua New Guinea)

A Pathway for Success by John Rubeia (Papua New Guinea)

Unleashes the Power of the Mind by John Rubeia (Papua New Guinea)