Oceania Youth Health Summit – Island Roots and Global Impact
Guest Post, by Summit Co-Organizer Mele Havea, Youth Leader
With Tausili (Sili) Kalepo, Public Health – Seattle & King County
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.
300 people from the Pacific Islander community came together for the second annual Oceania Youth Health Summit on May 24 in Federal Way. 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.
We used this beautiful illustration to promote the Summit, including on our posters and t-shirts. It was created by Pacific Islander Health Board for Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
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.
This story shares what we think are some of the best moments of our Summit.
You can also watch our 3-minute video. Hear the music, see the dances, and see why it was such an uplifting and empowering day for us.
Oceania Youth Summit video by Tawfik Abdulaziz, Original Studios.
Celebrating Leadership and Community
Youth leaders Chris Yang, Mele Havea, and Miller Miller welcoming participants to the event, at Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.
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.
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 Valueia (on the left, in the cap) and some of the young people who shared the story of “What’s Your Spark?”
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.
Beth Schuurmans of DOH led our suicide prevention and awareness sessions.
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.
(For some powerful resources on mental health for the Pacific Islander community, see “What You Can Do” at the end.)
Addressing Environmental Challenges to Our Way of Life
Opheliah Hatun of UW
Olivia Kaiaua of UW
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 (left) and Opheliah Hatun (right). 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.
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.
Kolbi Monasmith and Sharlene Wong of United Indians of All Tribes Foundation explained many of the legal rights young people might not be aware of.
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.
The powerful Pohnpei War Dance.
Tonga, 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.
The Margaret Fanene Pacific Islander dance group from Burien/White Center performed several dances for us; here they captivate us with a Tongan dance.
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 dance group gives us a glimpse into the heart of the Pacific with a Samoan dance.
The West Papua dancers shared ancestral knowledge with their performance.
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.
Dancers performing a dance from the Marshall Islands filled with devotion.
Olivia shares her Kiribati heritage with this dance.
Our Hawaiian dancer beautifully mirrored the fluidity and rhythm of the ocean.
These cultural performances not only entertained 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.
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.
A Convergence of Passionate Leaders, Committed Organizations, and Vibrant Youth
Some of the Summit youth leaders and mentors. Front row, Left-right: Mirus Wenda, Valuses Rodrigues, Mele Havea, LaDonna Engichy, Santana Taliulu, Gabrielle Guerrero, Moana Faifai, and Arthika Nair. Back row: Chris Yang, Leimamo Wase, Tausili (Sili) Kalepo, Ashreeni (Reeni) Nair, Ivan Tudela, Ian Tudela, Bella Tudela, and Miller Miller.
The Oceania Youth Health Summit flourished because of many people:
Our Core Planning Team, a group of youth and young people from the Oceania community who stepped forward into leadership.
Our 15 CBO partners, including numerous Executive Directors, dedicated to Oceania communities who provided unwavering support and invaluable resources.
The Pacific Islander Task Force from the Seattle-King County and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Departments and Tacoma-Pierce County Human Services – especially our mentors, LaDonna Engichy, Tausili (Sili) Kalepo, Reeni Nair, Ivan Tudela, and Leimamo Wase – whose guidance was instrumental in orchestrating the event's vision and ensuring its success.
Most of all, 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.
Many thanks to our community partners and the Core Planning Team of young people who represented them, including:
Asian Pacific Cultural Center (APCC): Chris Yang
Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington (PICA-WA): Miller Miller
Pacific Islander Health Alliance (PIHA): Valuses Rodrigues
Pacific Islander Health Board: Dichela Ueki, Gabrielle Guerrero, and Vaiolela'i King
Tongan Community Resource Center: Naua Moaloa
UW Pacific Islander Research Family: Sofia Kaiaua, Rona Lei, Opheliah Hatun, Olivia Kaiaua
UTOPIA (United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance Washington): Jackie Meleisea
VOSP (Voices of the South Pacific): Mele Havea
Western Papuan Organization: Mirus Wenda
Additional Key Partners:
Chuukese Women Association (CWA)
Marshallese American Network for Interacting Together (MANIT)
Marshallese Women’s Association (MWA)
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.
Watch the videos from the Inner Wellness series in Spring 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024.
Watch for the series coming in Fall 2024 in partnership with Green River Community College. You can learn more soon on the Elevate Healing Facebook page (Scarlett Ekeroma) and New Hope Counseling Facebook page (Sala Afalava).
Did you enjoy the photos in this story? You can see more in our gallery. All photos are by Bill Bungard Photography.
Share the video from the Summit with your family and friends. Video by Tawfik Abdulaziz, Original Studios.
About the Author: Mele Havea is a Tongan/Samoan descendant who works for United Airlines and takes pride in advocating for better mental and health services for all of Oceania. Mele served as a Core Planning Team Member and was in Leadership for the Oceania Youth Summit.
Thank you, Mele, for sharing your story!