Te Umwanibong, as a distinct organization within the Cultural Unit, was started in 1987. This was with the help of two New Zealand Development Aid Officers, who provided assistance to what was then called the Cultural Centre. Initially, Te Umwanibong was composed of the Cultural Centre, that promoted I-Kiribati culture, and the Museum that exhibited traditional and historical artefacts from cultures around the Pacific and beyond. New Zealand funded the new dedicated museum building in Bikenibeu, designed and overseen by PWD, the former Ministry of Works and Energy known now as MISE. The new dedicated museum building was opened in 1991. This new building aimed to raise the profile of the Culture and Museum and facilitated Te Umwanibong’s aims to document I-Kiribati skills and knowledge and to promote the contemporary use of these skills.

Core Functions

• Preservation and Conservation: Te Umwanibong plays a crucial role in safeguarding and conserving Kiribati's cultural heritage by using appropriate strategies for artifact preservation, restoration, and archival practices.
• Educational Outreach: The museum aims to enhance public awareness and understanding of Kiribati's culture and history through educational programs, workshops, and guided tours.
• Research and Documentation: The museum actively supports research initiatives to foster an accurate understanding of Kiribati's past, collecting oral histories, conducting archaeological studies, and collaborating with scholars and local experts.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: It seeks to engage with local communities, other relevant cultural institutions and partner organizations to share knowledge, resources, and expertise in preserving and showcasing Kiribati's cultural heritage.

Culture Unit

* Collection of vital cultural skills, knowledge and practices through cultural mapping surveys conducted on the different islands of Kiribati. 

* Facilitate the commemoration of cultural events - such as National Cultural Day in Kiribati, the engagement of schools, local youths and communities in such cultural events 

* Provide trainings (theory and hands-on) to youths and local communities on cultural skills and practices to enhance youths’ and local communities’ knowledge on our cultural practices and to maintain these skills from generation to generation 

* Development of cultural policies and legislations on the protection of cultural heritage and skills. 

* Participate in regional and international events such as cultural festival of arts to showcase Kiribati culture at the regional and international level as well as to learn

Museum Unit

* Protect and preserve Kiribati stories of historical value including cultural skills and practices that have been documented and kept in the museum for display purposes. 

* Keep an updated records of museum collections, of all traditional and local artefacts that are gifted and donated to the museum 

* Provide assistance to research students and the public on all information related to the museum or Te Umwanibong. 

* Commemoration of International Museum Day at National Level 

* Operationalize of Te Umwanibong library and information center. 

* Exhibition of Te Umwanibong collections nationally and internationally.

Media and Promotion 

* Production of video clips and video documentaries based on cultural mapping surveys/development of awareness materials 

* Implementing Te Umwanibong awareness programs to different level of schools and local communities on Tarawa and in the outer islands 

* Facilitate mass media programs (press releases, radio programs) and promotion through social media (Facebook and Website) 

* Social Media promotion of Te Umwanibong (Website and Facebook)