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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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Raising Awareness: Living Islands’ SuperFund Site PSA

In the serene backdrop of Cathedral Park, Portland, Oregon, the Living Islands team embarked on a crucial mission: filming a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about the Superfund Site. This initiative is more than just a filming project; it’s a vital step towards raising awareness and driving education about environmental issues that significantly impact our Pacific Islander Communities. The majestic St. John Bridge towering above us served as a poignant reminder of the intertwining of natural beauty and our environmental challenges. Our focus was to shed light on the SuperFund Site’s complexities, highlighting how it affects our waterways, fish populations, and, consequently, the health and traditions of our communities. The presence of our team, armed with cameras and a sense of purpose, transformed the park into a stage for advocacy and education.

We have invited local experts, community leaders, and environmental activists to share their insights on the Superfund Site’s implications. Their testimonies, rich with knowledge and passion, brought to the forefront the importance of community engagement in environmental issues. Through this PSA, we aim to inform and inspire our Pacific Islander communities to become active participants in environmental stewardship.

The message we are sending is clear: awareness leads to action. As we wrapped up the filming, we felt a renewed sense of commitment to our cause. This PSA is just the beginning of our journey to ensure that our communities are not just informed but also empowered to make a difference in the face of environmental challenges.

 

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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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Day 2 of Living Islands’ GoFish Event: A Day Full of Learning and Sunshine

Day 2 of the Living Islands’ GoFish All-weekend Event was nothing short of spectacular, filled with outdoor learning and delightful Pacific Islander cuisine under the sunny skies.

Our enthusiastic participants dove into a series of informative outdoor classes that covered a wide range of topics, including fishing techniques, food security, water safety, and the impact of river pollution. These sessions were not just educational but interactive and engaging, encouraging everyone to stay connected with fishing as a vital community activity. We were incredibly fortunate to have experts from ODFW, Oregon Seagrant, OFB, and Portland Harbour Community Coalition, among other esteemed speakers, who shared their invaluable knowledge and insights, enhancing the overall learning experience.

The atmosphere was vibrant, and the energy infectious as community members, young and old, put their new skills to the test, with some even making their first catches! The joy and excitement of these moments were truly heartwarming.

The authentic Pacific Islander food served throughout the day was a gastronomic delight, adding a unique cultural flavor to the event.

The conversations, laughter, and shared experiences created a sense of unity and community spirit that embodied the essence of the GoFish event. As we wrap up another successful day, we’re filled with gratitude and anticipation. Today’s success only heightens our excitement for future events, and we can’t wait to bring this wonderful experience back next year!

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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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