Oceania Youth Health Summit

Editor’s Note: Earlier this year, Mele Havea, a Tongan/Samoan descendant, helped organize the second annual Oceania Youth Health Summit. The Federal Way gathering brought together 300 local youth, community members and leaders, and public health leaders to discuss environmental and health challenges faced by Oceania communities. and celebrated their many island heritages. Oceania is a geographical region that includes Australia, French Polynesia, Hawaii, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western New Guinea, Pacific islands, Fiji, Palau, and Tonga. This week, Mele Havea, a Tongan/Samoan descendant who helped organize the summit, shared the experience and the gathering’s takeaways. Here’s an edited version of her July 19 guest post for Public Health Insider.

As the sun rose on a crisp, beautiful morning, the spirit of our Oceania heritage resonated not only through the event halls but also echoed back across the ancestral waves to our islands.

Three hundred people from the Pacific Islander community came together for the second annual Oceania Youth Health Summit held in Federal Way earlier this year. Our theme was “Island Roots, Global Impact: Embracing Cultural Heritage and Addressing Health Challenges.” It was a day of learning, resource sharing, food, inspiration, community, and cultural celebration.

The Summit began with the support and wisdom of 15 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), creating a powerful platform for us to engage and collaborate. It took shape with a group of young people who served as our Core Planning Team. And it flourished with the guidance of our partners at local health departments – Public Health-Seattle & King County and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. This collaboration ensured that our event was closely aligned with the real needs and aspirations of our Oceania youth.

What the video of the highlights of work and heritage celebrations during the Oceania Youth Health Summit

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO PLAY VIDEO

Our agenda covered a broad range of crucial topics including mental health, environmental stewardship, legal rights, and cultural preservation. The active participation of our CBO partners throughout the day fostered a strong sense of community and solidarity.

Our day started with a profound acknowledgment of the Puyallup tribe, whose land we gathered on. We offered our heartfelt gratitude for their stewardship, setting a tone of respect and learning. This moment was also a teaching opportunity for our youth about the significance of “tauhi va” — a Tongan principle translating to “keeping the peace.” This tradition emphasizes humility and great leadership, qualities that tribal chiefs exemplify when they visit new territories.

By honoring these values, we set a meaningful foundation for the day’s activities, reminding everyone of the importance of community, respect, and leadership. Then we embarked on a journey of learning, inspiration, and cultural celebration that resonated deeply with everyone there.

Summit poster. Illustration, created by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

Igniting the Flame and Discovering the Spark

The Summit began with a powerful presentation by Vince Vaielua. He posed a compelling question: “What is your spark?” This question wasn’t just to ponder but a call to action, urging us to discover what ignites our passions and drives our ambitions.

Vince emphasized that the “spark” is the inner fire that fuels our deepest motivations and dreams. He reminded us that our sparks could take many forms—whether it’s a passion for social justice, environmentalism, cultural preservation, or mental health advocacy. Vince underscored the importance of recognizing and nurturing this spark to make a meaningful impact.

Vince also highlighted the role of hope, perseverance, and community support. He stressed that with the right resources and mentors, we can achieve any dream. His stories of resilience and triumph illustrated how, with guidance and encouragement, sparks can grow into bright realities.

“What is your spark?” set the tone for the summit. It inspired us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, reminding us that our unique sparks have the power to illuminate our paths and make a significant impact on the world, channeling the ancestors, and bringing all that makes us a Pacific Islander.

Bringing mental health into the light

In our community, conversations about mental health often remain in the shadows, burdened by stigma and silence. We carved out a vital space to bringing these topics into the light. In impactful sessions, the Suicide Prevention team from the Washington State Department of Health emphasized the importance of understanding and nurturing our mental well-being.

These sessions were transformative. They taught us what we should know and how to care for our own mental health and support our peers. They confronted the taboos in our community surrounding mental health, and opened doors to healing and understanding, fostering a more compassionate and supportive community environment.

By normalizing these conversations and providing accessible resources, we aim to empower our youth to embrace their mental well-being as an integral part of our overall health. Together, we are building a future where mental health is openly discussed and actively supported, paving the way for a healthier, more resilient Oceania community.

Addressing environmental challenges to our way of life

Our Oceania communities face the grim reality of rising sea levels and environmental degradation, issues that threaten the very essence of our islands’ beauty and sustainability. We were privileged to hear from two distinguished Pacific Islander scientists from the University of Washington, Olivia Kaiaua and Opheliah Hatun. Their expertise and connection to our heritage brought a poignant depth to our discussions about environmental health.

Their session painted a sobering picture of the environmental challenges we face. The atmosphere was heavy with the collective concern for the future of our islands. As they spoke, the potential losses became vividly clear: the disappearance of blooming flowers whose scents we cherish, the fading of forest trails where we find solace, the decline of fresh catches from our oceans, and the risk to our agricultural bounty that sustains us. These are not just environmental losses; they represent the erosion of our cultural identity and way of life.

Olivia’s and Opheliah’s insights highlighted the urgent need for action. They emphasized that preserving our natural beauty and resources is not just an environmental imperative but a crucial effort to protect our cultural legacy. Their presentations underscored the interconnectedness of our environment with our traditions and everyday lives.

Through their leadership, Olivia and Opheliah inspired a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship among us. They emphasized that every small step counts, whether it’s through community activism, personal lifestyle changes, or advocacy for sustainable policies. Their message was clear: to protect the future of our islands, we must embrace our responsibility to act now. As the session concluded, the urgency of the moment lingered, but so did a spark of hope. We were left with a deeper understanding of the challenges ahead and a stronger resolve to preserve the precious aspects of our heritage. Olivia’s and Opheliah’s words ignited a call to action, empowering us to become the guardians of our environment and culture for generations to come.

Marshall Islands dancers are filled with devotion. Photo by Bill Bungard Photography

Knowing our rights empowers us

BIPOC communities frequently encounter substantial obstacles when it comes to understanding and asserting their rights. Many of our youth, especially those from first-generation families or those without adequate access to information, often feel disconnected and powerless.

The United Indians of All Tribes Foundation led a session dedicated to these vital issues. Throughout the day, representatives from the foundation and other groups were stationed at their tables ready to engage with participants. They offered detailed yet easy-to-understand explanations about legal entitlements and available resources. They emphasized the importance of knowing where to find help and how to access supportive resources. This network of support provided concrete steps for youth to follow in their journey toward self-empowerment.

Representatives talked with us about our essential rights and protections, such as employment rights, educational opportunities, and access to public services. They brought often-overlooked areas into focus, empowering us to advocate for ourselves and our communities with greater effectiveness. They encouraged us to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of our rights.

These tables were also a call to action. They equipped us with the tools to navigate and challenge systems that can seem overwhelming to us. This newfound understanding served as a beacon of empowerment, motivating us to take an active role in shaping our lives and our communities.

West Papua dancers shared ancestral knowledge with their performance. Photo by Bill Bungard Photography.

Celebrating cultural heritage

An integral part of inspiring our youth is celebrating and preserving our rich cultural heritage. Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a spectacular array of cultural performances that beautifully showcased the diverse traditions of Oceania.

The Pohnpei War Dance, characterized by its rhythmic drumming and powerful movements, vividly demonstrated the strength and unity of their warriors.

Tongans, renowned as the last reigning kingdom in the Pacific, captivated us with their warm smiles and graceful dances, embodying the spirit of hospitality and tradition.

Samoa’s elegant siva dances and intricate tatau designs provided a fascinating glimpse into the heart of the Pacific, highlighting their deep cultural roots and artistic expressions. Meanwhile, our West Papua brothers and sisters shared their traditional methods of food gathering and preparation, offering insights into sustainable practices and ancestral knowledge.

The Marshall Islands’ performance was filled with devotion, expressed through heartfelt worship and praise, underscoring the spiritual significance embedded in their cultural practices. Lastly, the mesmerizing hip movements from Kiribati and Hawaii dancers beautifully mirrored the fluidity and rhythm of the ocean, a unique essence cherished across our islands.

These cultural performances not only entertained us but also enriched our understanding of Oceania’s diverse cultural tapestry. They instilled a sense of pride and connection among attendees, fostering appreciation for the traditions that shape our identities and communities. By celebrating these vibrant expressions, we reaffirmed the importance of preserving and passing down our cultural heritage to future generations.

The powerful Pohnpei War Dance. Photo by Bill Bungard Photography

Reflecting on a day of pride and inspiration

As the day drew to a close, we were brimming with pride and inspiration. The summit exceeded our expectations, drawing a remarkable attendance and imbuing every moment with a spirit of resilience and determination. This achievement stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts of our community partners, the Pacific Islander Task Force of our health department partners, and our dedicated Core Planning Team members (they’re listed below).

Throughout the summit, we came together to celebrate our rich cultural heritage, empower our youth, and strengthen the bonds that unite our Oceania community. The vibrant cultural performances, insightful workshops, and impactful discussions resonated deeply with all participants, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

Looking forward, the lessons we learned, and connections we forged during this summit will continue to serve as guiding lights in our journey. They will inspire us to advocate for change, support one another, and uphold our cultural traditions with pride. The success of this event reinforces our collective resolve to create a brighter future for Oceania youth and communities alike.

In essence, the Oceania Youth Health Summit was not just a gathering; it was a transformative experience that fueled our determination to build a stronger, more resilient community. As we carry forward the memories and insights gained, we are poised to make a lasting impact, driven by the spirit of unity and empowerment that defined this remarkable day.

Leaders of the summit. Photo by Bill Bungard Photography

This Summit was by young people, for young people. We were able to learn from the leaders, who brought a wealth of wisdom, resilience, and energy, creating a dynamic environment where knowledge and experience flowed freely. They engaged deeply with us, sharing insights from their personal and professional journeys and sparking inspiring conversations. In essence, the summit was a convergence of passionate leaders, committed organizations, and vibrant youth, all working together to uplift and empower the Oceania community.

What you can do

Join us for the 8-part Inner Wellness mental health webinar series. We launched this year’s series in April 2024, in partnership with Shoreline Community College. The series, which started in Spring 2023, features two esteemed Pacific Islander practitioners, Sala Afalava and Scarlett Ekeroma. We delve deep into mental health therapy and address the stigmas that often prevent open discussion and acceptance, from a culturally relevant perspective, breaking down barriers and promoting wellness within our community.

*This article has been reposted with permission from the author. It was originally published in the Public Health Insider, the blog of Public Health-Seattle & King County.

Read more:

Teen late night programs provide positive connection

Hitting the bag, hitting the books

Two Seattle principals awarded for equity efforts