Culture and Outriggers – Living Islands

Home / Culture and Outriggers /

2024 GoFishPI Crabbing Weekend in Newport, OR

Community Support,Culture and Outriggers,Food Security,GoFish,Inspiration,Nature

Community Support, Culture and Outriggers, Food Security, GoFish, Inspiration, Nature

2024 GoFishPI Crabbing Weekend in Newport, OR

By Taliilagi Aumavae Oct 20, 2024 No Comments

October 18, 2024

Living Islands began preparations for the much-anticipated crabbing weekend in Newport, Oregon. Guests were warmly welcomed and helped settle into their accommodations after what, for many, had been long journeys. We had begun organizing logistics for the weekendï¿½s activities, ensuring every participant was ready to be a part of this amazing opportunity.

Part of the preparations included setting up some of the crab pots for the following dayï¿½s hands-on experience. Volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to gather last-minute materials and ensure everything was in place to make this event both enjoyable and educational.

October 19, 2024

The main event kicked off with a morning meeting. This was our opportunity to introduce attendees to one another, fostering connections among participants from diverse backgrounds who shared a love for the ocean and sustainable practices. We also provided an overview of the dayï¿½s activities and safety protocols.

The group then headed to the Newport Municipal Crabbing Pier and the beautiful Yaquina Bay for an immersive crabbing experience. With traps in hand and seasoned community members sharing invaluable insights, everyone got a chance to learn the ins and outs of crabbing. It was not just a learning experience but also a cultural exchange, where stories, techniques, and local knowledge flowed freely among participants.

After a much needed lunch break, the community reconvened for an enriching presentation from an impressive lineup of speakers. Representatives from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Oregon Sea Grant, Portland Harbor Community Coalition, the City of Portland, and Aunty Shirley De La Cruz shared their expertise on topics ranging from regulations and conservation efforts to sustainable opportunities in marine environments. This session offered a wealth of information that left attendees better informed and inspired to act as advocates & educators of the coastal ecosystem.

To round out the day, we enjoyed a communal mealï¿½a chance to relax, mingle, and reflect on the dayï¿½s experiences. The shared meal fostered a sense of unity, emphasizing the importance of community in preserving our indigenous practices despite not being on our indigenous lands.

October 20, 2024

The weekend concluded with a final gathering, where we celebrated the success of the event and raffled off prizes. The gear raffle added a fun and competitive element, with items ranging from practical hand warmers and instant food packs to high-value prizes like machetes and commercial-grade crab pots. The excitement in the room was contagious, and everyone left with smiles and stories to share.

Before parting ways, attendees participated in a feedback session, sharing their experiences and offering suggestions to make future events even better. It was a heartfelt end to a weekend filled with learning, laughter, and new friendships.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 Crabbing Weekend was a resounding success, blending education, hands-on activity, and community engagement into a memorable experience. Living Islands is deeply grateful to all the participants, speakers, and volunteers who made this event possible. We canï¿½t wait to see how we can build on this foundation for future events and continue fostering connections between people and the environment.ï¿½

Closing the Tech Gap: Empowering NHPI Communities with Laptops & Tablets!

Community Support,Culture and Outriggers,Technology

Community Support, Culture and Outriggers, Technology

Closing the Tech Gap: Empowering NHPI Communities with Laptops & Tablets!

By Jesper Angelo Dec 17, 2023 No Comments

In this era of rapid technological advancements, it is imperative to bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone can access devices that can empower them. The Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities, like many others, have faced challenges in accessing technology and the opportunities it brings. However, through initiatives aimed at equipping NHPI communities with laptops and tablets, we can empower them to embrace the tech revolution and unlock their full potential. Let’s dive into how closing the tech gap can bring about positive change and opportunities for NHPI communities.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering NHPI Communities!

Studies have shown that the NHPI communities often face limited access to technology, hindering their ability to fully participate in the digital world. This digital divide exacerbates existing disparities and prevents NHPI individuals from accessing educational resources, job opportunities, and essential services. However, initiatives focusing on closing this divide by providing laptops and tablets to NHPI communities can have a transformative impact.

By empowering NHPI communities with these gadgets, we can open up a world of opportunities. Students can access online educational resources, enabling them to expand their knowledge and skills. This access to digital learning platforms can help bridge educational gaps and empower NHPI students to excel academically. Moreover, with the ability to connect with teachers and classmates remotely, these gadgets can ensure that NHPI students have equal access to quality education, regardless of their geographical location.

Furthermore, closing the tech gap can empower NHPI individuals to explore new career prospects. With laptops and tablets at their disposal, they can access online job portals, digital trainings, and remote work opportunities. This not only enhances their employability but also contributes to the economic growth of their communities. By embracing technology, NHPI individuals can overcome traditional barriers and tap into a wide range of job opportunities, even in industries that were previously inaccessible.

Tech Revolution: Equipping NHPI Communities with Gadgets!

The tech revolution has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. Equipping NHPI communities with laptops and tablets ensures that they can fully participate in this revolution and reap its benefits. These gadgets provide NHPI individuals with access to information, enabling them to stay connected, informed, and engaged.

In addition to education and employment opportunities, laptops and tablets empower NHPI communities in various other ways. They enable individuals to access healthcare resources, connect with healthcare providers online, and access telemedicine services. This is particularly significant for NHPI individuals living in remote areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. With these gadgets, they can bridge the healthcare divide and ensure better health outcomes for themselves and their families.

Moreover, laptops and tablets also serve as a means of communication and cultural preservation. NHPI communities can use these devices to connect with their heritage, share their stories, and celebrate their traditions. They can access language learning applications, connect with other NHPI individuals worldwide, and preserve their cultural identity. In this way, technology not only empowers NHPI communities but also strengthens their sense of belonging and cultural pride.

Empowering NHPI Communities through Technology!

Closing the tech gap and equipping NHPI communities with laptops and tablets is a pivotal step towards empowering these individuals and ensuring their inclusion in the digital age. By providing equal access to technology, we can bridge the digital divide and unlock a world of opportunities for NHPI communities. The benefits extend beyond education and employment, reaching into healthcare, communication, and cultural preservation. Let us strive to empower NHPI communities with technology, fostering a brighter future where no one is left behind in the tech revolution.

GoFish 2024 Kick-Off at Clackamette Park: Embracing Culture and Heritage

Community Support,Culture and Outriggers,Food Security,GoFish,Inspiration,Nature,Sports

Community Support, Culture and Outriggers, Food Security, GoFish, Inspiration, Nature, Sports

GoFish 2024 Kick-Off at Clackamette Park: Embracing Culture and Heritage

By Aschlee Angelo Oct 19, 2023 No Comments

Amidst the natural splendor of Clackamette Park, the Living Islands team embarked on a dual-purpose mission: capturing compelling footage for our Superfund PSAs and kick-starting the GoFish Ambassadors program.

This day was a significant milestone, as it not only contributed to our ongoing efforts to raise environmental awareness but also marked the beginning of a journey towards forming a state-wide Pacific Islander advisory council in February 2024!

By weaving in elements of our shared fashion and the rich history of fishing deeply rooted in Pacific Islander culture, we aimed to connect with our community on a profound level. The GoFish Ambassadors program is a testament to our commitment to engage with our community through culturally aware channels. It’s designed to empower members, enabling them to represent and advocate for our collective interests and heritage. This initiative represents more than just a meeting; it’s the foundation of a movement that will bring together voices from across the state, ensuring that the unique perspectives and needs of Pacific Islanders are heard and addressed.

As we wrapped up the day’s filming, we felt a surge of pride and anticipation for this program’s impact in strengthening our community ties and preserving our cultural legacy.

MCHF Workshop ï¿½ Preparing Medical Teams for a Meaningful Mission in the Marshall Islands

Community Support,Culture and Outriggers,Health

Community Support, Culture and Outriggers, Health

MCHF Workshop ï¿½ Preparing Medical Teams for a Meaningful Mission in the Marshall Islands

By Aschlee Angelo Sep 01, 2023 No Comments

As part of this yearï¿½s Marshallese Cultural Health Forum (MCHF), we held a special workshop on Day Two designed to introduce our upcoming medical mission teams to the unique cultural landscape of the Marshall Islands. This workshop, held in collaboration with Village Church in Beaverton, brought together healthcare professionals preparing to travel to the islands as part of our Medical Mission program. It was an enlightening, engaging, and essential experience that provided insight into the Marshallese way of life and equipped the teams with the cultural knowledge theyï¿½ll need to serve effectively and respectfully.

For many of these healthcare providers, this will be their first time visiting the Marshall Islands. Our workshop covered a range of cultural insights, from the daily customs and etiquette to a set of ï¿½doï¿½s and donï¿½tsï¿½ that will help ensure they interact appropriately within the community. With a blend of humor, storytelling, and interactive activities, the session helped bridge the cultural gap, making it a relaxed environment where participants could ask questions and gain practical advice.

In learning about the Marshallese worldview, communication styles, and key cultural practices, participants gained a deeper understanding of how to approach their work in a way that honors the traditions and sensitivities of the local people. These cultural classes are vital to working effectively within NHPI communities, as they lay the foundation for trust and mutual respect.

Workshops like this one are invaluable in strengthening the relationship between our mission teams and the Marshallese community, providing not only practical insights but also fostering a shared sense of purpose and collaboration. Weï¿½re proud to have incorporated this cultural training into our program, ensuring that our teams are fully prepared for this meaningful mission. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this workshop a success, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these missions will have!

Marshallese Cultural Health Forum 2023: Bridging Communities Through Cross-Cultural Education

Business,Community Support,Culture and Outriggers,Health,Inspiration,Migration,Nuclear Legacy

Business, Community Support, Culture and Outriggers, Health, Inspiration, Migration, Nuclear Legacy

Marshallese Cultural Health Forum 2023: Bridging Communities Through Cross-Cultural Education

By Taliilagi Aumavae Aug 31, 2023 No Comments

The Marshallese Cultural Health Forum was a transformative experience, where attendees gathered to foster a deeper understanding of health needs within the Marshallese community and beyond. This unique event featured insightful presentations and distinguished speakers, providing invaluable insights into the cultural nuances that influenced healthcare practices.

The forum served as a vital platform for individuals, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to come together and engage in meaningful dialogue. Through cross-cultural education, we aimed to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their cultural background, received the support they deserved.

Highlights of the event included:

Engaging Presentations: Expert speakers delved into various aspects of Marshallese culture, shedding light on traditional health practices, beliefs, and the challenges faced by the community in accessing quality healthcare.

Interactive Exhibits: Attendees immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of Marshallese culture through interactive exhibits showcasing art, music, and cuisine, providing a sensory experience that deepened their understanding of this vibrant community.

Networking Opportunities: Participants connected with like-minded individuals, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who shared a passion for improving health outcomes and promoting cultural inclusivity.

Those who attended the Marshallese Cultural Health Forum gained valuable insights that empowered them to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of Marshallese individuals, and by extension, contributed to a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.

The event was a significant step towards creating a healthier, more culturally sensitive future for our communities. It was an opportunity for attendees to be part of a movement dedicated to positive change.