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Inspiration

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

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.

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

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.

 

 

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Pacific Islander Voices: Hoops For Hope 2023

Bounce to a Brighter Future: Inspiring Pacific Islander Youth with Hoops for Hope

Basketball is more than just a game; it has the power to connect people and inspire dreams. In the Pacific Islander community, there are many talented individuals who did not take the traditional route to success. It is what inspired us to put on this event, to empower the youth and give them a chance to connect with elders in their community. Through this workshop, Hoops for Hope brings joy, hope, and a brighter future to the hearts of young Pacific Islanders. Let’s dive into the incredible work they do and how it guides these talented individuals forward!

Hoops for Hope: Empowering Pacific Islander Youth through Basketball Magic!

On Friday, June 23rd, 2023, Living Islands held their PI Voices: Hoops for Hope event at Parkrose Middle School. It was a remarkable initiative that used the universal language of basketball to make a positive impact on the lives of Pacific Islander youth. With their panel session, they created a safe and supportive environment for these young individuals to develop their skills, build confidence, and unlock their full potential. The passion and dedication of the community members at the Hoops for Hope event is truly remarkable, as they worked tirelessly to inspire and uplift the participants through honest discussions.

The goal of this workshop was to empower youth to see different options for their future careers. We wanted to showcase non-violent approaches to what success could look like. Success doesn’t have to mean higher education at a university, it can mean owning a business, learning a trade or even learning skills for a certification. As the speakers had open discussions and shared experiences, this event helped foster a sense of belonging and community among Pacific Islander male youth. After the session concluded, they had basketball games for the youth as well as community members to engage in. The transformative power of discussion and basketball is undeniable, as it instilled discipline, teamwork, and resilience within these young athletes.

We look forward to creating more spaces that encourages the connection between the youth and elders with the Pacific Islander community. Having discussions based on the idea of improving the quality of life for our youth is important especially for those living stateside. Living Islands is committed to supporting our communities and uplifting one another. Thank you to everyone who was apart of making this event possible, all of our youth who participated and our community members who shared their valuable experiences.

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Exciting Collaboration Ahead with Brown Folks Fishing!

We at Living Islands are buzzing with excitement about our upcoming meeting with the inspiring team from Brown Folks Fishing! This collaboration represents a significant step forward in enriching our future GoFish programming.

Our rendezvous point is none other than Orvis, where we’ll delve into the fascinating details of the Salmon Super Highway program. This initiative holds immense significance, not just for the environmental health of our waterways but also for communities like ours, where fishing is an integral part of life. Understanding its impact on ecosystems and the livelihoods of Pacific Islander communities and others deeply engaged in fishing is crucial.

We look forward to an enlightening discussion and the potential of combining our efforts with Brown Folks Fishing to create more inclusive and impactful fishing experiences. The synergy of our shared goals and passions is bound to spark innovative ideas for future GoFish events, fostering a stronger, more diverse fishing community. Stay tuned for what promises to be a fruitful partnership!

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GoFish All-Weekend Event Kicks Off with an Educational and Cultural Bang!

The first day of Living Islands’ GoFish All-weekend Event was inspirational, marking a fantastic start to a weekend packed with learning, community, and fishing fun.

The day was dedicated to enriching classes covering a wide array of topics, from fishing rules and engagement strategies to important COVID-19 restrictions and fostering positive community interactions.

Participants had the unique opportunity to hear from an impressive lineup of speakers, including experts from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Oregon SeaGrant, Oregon Food Bank (OFB), and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), among others.

These sessions weren’t just informative; they were interactive and engaging, sparking lively discussions and a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and joys of fishing. The diversity of topics ensured that every participant, regardless of their fishing experience, was left with valuable knowledge and a heightened sense of environmental stewardship.

As the sun set, the atmosphere shifted from educational to cultural, culminating in a traditional Kava circle that perfectly ended the day. This cultural gathering was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of community and shared stories. Participants from various backgrounds came together, sharing tales of their fishing adventures, life experiences, and personal connections to the sport and nature. The Kava circle was a reminder of the deep-rooted traditions that fishing encompasses, transcending beyond just a hobby to a way of life for many. This bonding experience set a warm and welcoming tone for the rest of the weekend.

With day one setting a high bar, the anticipation for tomorrow’s day of fishing is sky-high. We can’t wait to take all that we’ve learned and apply it on the water, where rods will be cast, and memories will be made!

🐟🌊🍃

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