A PACIFIC ISLAND DIASPORA: A CASE STUDY OF CHUUKESE WOMEN MIGRATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN URBAN HONOLULU

Abstract

There is a long history in Oceania of communities voluntarily, and strategically migrating between islands. More recently the Compact of Free Association (COFA), which allows for open migration between the COFA nations and the US, offers a unique lens into issues around movement and the concept of displacement, relocation and adaptation to a new place. Understanding the dynamics around the COFA migrants can inform future migrations. The world is currently witnessing the highest levels of human displacement on record. Local governments are at the forefront of the response to migration, providing essential services and developing innovative solutions to complex and rapidly changing circumstances. This is particularly salient as islands in Oceania are already being impacted by climate change and will be among the most vulnerable to its continuing effects. The challenges this presents to policies around migration are evident and the United States should prepare for greater numbers of Pacific Island migrants (Barnett, 2003). This case study allows for an exploration of the complexities of migration for both the sending and receiving communities as well as the outcomes for the migrants themselves. Topics covered include the politics of reception between the settler and host communities, Federal and State policies, organizations that are involved in the migrant’s resettlement, as well as more specific cultural aspects. This research reflects on the situation for COFA migrants in their receiving community through the analysis of media, community planning efforts and in-depth interviews with experts and the migrants themselves. Important questions are raised about citizenship, the meaning of land and space, and how a more informed and inclusive approach to migration might result in more equitable, prosperous outcomes for receiving communities as a whole. To avoid forced migration in the future, international polices between countries (similar to the Compact) will need to be negotiated. These policies will allow for migrants to be more empowered about their movement and resettlement options.