"The Micronesian Question": Issues of Migration, Identity and Belonging on Guam

FAIN: BC-50491-09

Guam Humanities Council (Hagatna, GU 96910-5172)
Kimberlee Kihleng (Project Director: May 2009 to June 2017)

To support a range of activities on the topic of the migration of islanders from other parts of Micronesia to Guam. Activities include the Council's Motheread program, film and discussion programs, reading and discussion programs, photography and writing projects for young people, and community conversations.

The migration of Micronesians to Guam over the past twenty years has presented a number of perceived challenges to the larger Guam community with the possible opportunities associated with the migration process being largely overlooked. For the 2009 We The People Initiative, the Council will focus on the many issues surrounding the migration of islanders from other parts of Micronesia to Guam. The lives and experiences of Micronesians in their new island "home" will also be explored. The project will be multifaceted in scope and include our Motheread family literacy program, a series of films/discussion and readings/discussion, a youth-centered photography and creative writing project and community conversations using the civic reflection model. To carry out the project the Council plans to work closely with the leaders of various Guam-based Micronesian organizations as well as with agencies and organizations that serve Micronesian communities.