We had the great honor of sponsoring and participating in the “Facing America’s Nuclear Legacy” event in Portland, Oregon, put on by the Oregon PSR (Physicians for Social Responsibility) on August 6, 2018.
Our shared Nuclear Legacy is incredible important to all of us, and events like this helps us all remember, and learn from our pasts.
This year, Living Islands was honored to support and participate in Camp Iakwe, a truly special annual gathering where adopted Marshallese children and their families come together to celebrate Marshallese culture, build connections, and foster a sense of community. Held every year, Camp Iakwe brings together scores of families who are all navigating the journey of cultural identity and heritage, creating a welcoming space where Marshallese adoptees can learn about their roots and bond with others who share similar experiences.
Our founder, Kianna Angelo, who was herself adopted from the Marshall Islands in the 1970s, had the privilege of attending as a speaker. Growing up without a camp like this, Kianna understands firsthand the importance of a community where Marshallese adoptees and their families can come together to explore the richness of Marshallese culture, history, and language. For many, this is a rare opportunity to experience cultural traditions, hear stories from the islands, and learn from those who hold their heritage dear.
Supporting Camp Iakwe and witnessing the powerful impact it has on the families was an incredibly moving experience. We saw how learning about Marshallese customs and traditions helps adoptees form a deeper sense of identity and pride in their heritage. Equally, parents walked away with greater insight into Marshallese culture, strengthening their bond with their children and fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
We are proud to support Camp Iakwe and are grateful to everyone involved in creating such a vital space for cultural connection and growth. It�s our hope that Camp Iakwe continues to flourish for many years to come, inspiring more families and building a lasting legacy of connection, pride, and belonging.
The high-level United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development will be convened at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 5 to 9 June 2017, coinciding with World Oceans Day, to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14. The Governments of Fiji and Sweden have the co-hosting responsibilities of the Conference.
The Conference aims to be the game changer that will reverse the decline in the health of our ocean for people, planet and prosperity. It will be solutions-focused with engagement from all.
The Conference shall:
The Conference shall comprise plenary meetings, partnership dialogues and a special event commemorating World Oceans Day.The Conference shall adopt by consensus a concise, focused, intergovernmentally agreed declaration in the form of a “Call for Action” to support the implementation of Goal 14 and a report containing the co-chairs’ summaries of the partnership dialogues, as well as a list of voluntary commitments for the implementation of Goal 14, to be announced at the Conference.The President of the General Assembly will convene a two-day preparatory meeting, on 15-16 February 2017, at United Nations Headquarters in New York, to be chaired by H.E. Mr. Alvaro Mendonya Moura, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the UN, and H.E. Mr. Burhan Gafoor, Permanent Representative of Singapore to the UN, the two co-facilitators, with a view to considering the themes for the partnership dialogues and elements for a “Call for Action”.
Mr. Wu Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations is the Secretary-General of the Conference. Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel is the special advisor to the Presidents of the Conference on oceans and legal matters.
