Pacific Peoples' Partnership

Connecting Indigenous and Pacific Peoples

  • About
    • About Us
    • History
    • Approach
    • Meet the Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Supporters
  • Programs
    • International Programs
      • Pacific Resilience Fund
      • Our Work in West Papua
      • Women and Children Crisis Centre Tonga
      • Vendor’s Collective Voice (PNG)
    • Domestic Programs
      • Stories of Resilience
      • RedTide Indigenous Youth Climate Connect
  • Events
    • Paddle 4 Pacific
    • A Pacific Healing Circle
    • Together / As One Film Festival
    • RedTide Indigenous Youth Climate Connect
    • One Wave Gathering 2020
    • One Wave Gathering 2021
    • PPP’s 46th Annual General Meeting
  • Resources
    • Pacific Resource Centre
    • Pacific Region Info
    • Good Allyship Guiding Values
    • Educational Opportunities
    • Tok Blong Pasifik Journal
    • Video Gallery
  • Get Involved
    • Partnerships
    • Membership
    • Work With Us
    • Volunteer
  • News
    • Our Blog
    • Pasifik Currents E-Newsletter
    • Social Media
  • Contact Us
  • Donate Now

People & Passages: Tribute to PPP Lifetime member Peter Gardner

March 8, 2021 by Pacific Peoples' Partnership

A Supporter of Pacific Peoples’ Issues for Three Decades

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Victoria-based Peter Gardner in December 2020. He was among South Pacific Peoples Foundation/Pacific Peoples’ Partnership’s longest-serving members, and, being a teacher of economics in a number of developing countries throughout his career, he took a particular interest in how small South Pacific nation-states might be able to survive and thrive in the face of significant challenges. 

Peter was recruited to the organization in 1992 by Dr. James Boutilier, one of the founders of SPPF and still President Emeritus of PPP. At the time, they worked together as fellow academic colleagues at Victoria-based Royal Roads Military College. “I felt that our small South Pacific organization demanded uniquely dedicated and engaged Board members and patience in very large measure,” recalls Dr. Boutilier. “I saw Peter as an ideal candidate for the SPPF Board, and someone who would be dedicated to staying in the organization for the long haul.”

“Peter had the detailed knowledge of what we then called the Third World. He knew about small economies and the realities of international development. He was pragmatic, cheerful in the face of daunting organizational challenges, and was a superb team player — something that simply cannot be underestimated! He served faithfully on the Board several times, and in various committee roles until he passed away.” 

Executive Director, April Ingham, adds her own recollections: ”From the start of my tenure with PPP, Peter was always eager to help wherever needed. He stepped up over and over again, plus he attended and supported all of our events and activities whenever possible. He even provided a note of regret if he couldn’t participate. Peter and his wife, Alison, started to actively donate to PPP in the 90s and they also became founding members of our Phil Esmonde Legacy Endowment Fund, which was set up to ensure PPP’s sustainability.” 

“We will never forget the support and strategic visioning that Peter facilitated with our PPP team in 2014-2019. He worked passionately to help us achieve our mission and long-term sustainability. He believed fervently in our work and in the connections we foster for knowledge and cultural exchange between diverse peoples across the Pacific.” 

April concludes, “Once when Peter and Alison were volunteering with PPP at our 2014 Rising Tides conference, Songhees Elder Joan Morris voiced her concern that “they are elders and should be respected not put to work!” But Peter wouldn’t have it any other way – whether it was putting up tables and chairs, serving food, delivering a workshop or deliberating as a Board member about future PPP projects, it was his nature to jump in wholeheartedly!”

Until he died from a stroke at age 74, Peter continued teaching students from many parts of the world and working for social and environmental charities. He was a remarkable, caring person and an outstanding educator who will be sorely missed by his family, by the thousands of Canadian and international students that he taught and counseled over a four-decade career, his colleagues, friends, and the Greater Victoria community. Our deepest condolences to Alison, his partner in life, and a PPP lifetime contributor herself, and to their lovely family on this tremendous loss. 

Filed Under: Partners & Sponsors, Staff & Volunteers

March 2021 Featured Partner

March 8, 2021 by Pacific Peoples' Partnership

Pacific Peoples’ Partnership acknowledges the Province of British Columbia and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training for its support. 

Our youth and Indigenous-led, Stories of Resilience Program is proudly funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement. We are incredibly grateful that they have provided PPP with these critical funds to support the work of these emerging leaders, artists and storytellers. COVID-19 has brought about many challenges, and Stories of Resilience aims to inspire and equip talented Indigenous youth with critical technical and soft-skills whilst also giving back to their community and elevating Indigenous stories. 

PPP is deeply grateful for the opportunity and the support provided by the BC program staff as we continue working on the Stories of Resilience. For more information on this funding please visit their webpage at: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/Community-Workforce-Response-Grant.aspx

Filed Under: Arts & Culture, First Nations, Partners & Sponsors

One Wave Gathering 2020 Meets Pandemic Challenges

December 1, 2020 by Pacific Peoples' Partnership

By Jaimie Sumner, PPP Operations Coordinator and One Wave Program Coordinator

Over the last decade, One Wave has grown into a much-anticipated annual event here in Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ territories, with big crowds gathering in downtown Victoria for Indigenous and South Pacific art, music, food, and dialogues.  With the Covid-19 pandemic demanding many changes, we got creative with new ways to gather safely – for instance, planning many smaller events, taking programs online, and holding events outside.  It has been great to work with partners to offer free cultural programs, bring Pacific communities together, and share stories from Indigenous and Pacific perspectives.  This year we held nine public events, with one still to come!

Bradley Dick’s Territorial welcome at the One Wave ceremony, with PPP President, Muavae Va’a.

Our Opening Ceremony took place at Songhees Point on September 3 with a territorial welcome by Bradley Dick and opening words from PPP’s President, Muavae Va’a and Executive Director April Ingham.  We hold up our hands to Bradley for honouring our gathering this year with his welcome, sharing of knowledge, and powerful song and to Mua for his opening words in Samoan and English.  It was a sunny day near the water, and where we stood with Bradley was steps away from a beautiful cedar spindle whorl designed by his father Butch Dick, one of the seven Signs of Lekwungen.  The location, Songhees Point or PAH-lu-tsuss in Lekwungen, is an important site to Songhees and Esquimalt people.  It was meaningful to open our One Wave events on a special Lekwungen site on the shores of the Pacific Ocean that connects us North and South.

Later on that day, we opened our Together / As One exhibit at MediaNet’s FLUX Gallery.  On select days from September 3-18, the gallery came alive with costumes and songs from the youth opera Flight of the Hummingbird based on Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas’ Haida manga, as well as set-pieces and footage from the theatrical production of Peace Dancer by Roy Henry Vickers. 

Flight of the Hummingbird performers with Pacific Opera Victoria and Opera Vancouver.

This opera is the story of a brave hummingbird taking on a forest fire, while Peace Dancer is the story of a big flood descending on a community after the village’s children mistreat a crow.  These compelling, artfully presented stories that encourage each of us to take action to make a difference, like the little hummingbird, and ensure we treat all living beings with respect.  Flight of the Hummingbird was produced by Pacific Opera Victoria and Opera Vancouver, and Peace Dancer was a collaboration between Theatre Inconnu, Story Theatre, and Puppets for Peace along with Roy Henry Vickers and a community cast.  Complementing these two features were Pacific cultural items from PPP’s collection, along with short films on PPP’s work by youth multimedia makers and a special short on Fijian masi (bark cloth) from UBC Curator Carol Mayer.  Visitors to the gallery were also invited to share their thoughts on the guiding themes of this year’s One Wave:  resilience and allyship.

Our next public offering was the outdoor KAIROS Blanket Exercise.  More than 20 participants braved the weather under tents at Royal Athletic Park to take part in this interactive workshop about Indigenous history.  Facilitating the exercise were Muavae Va’a and his wife Marie Va’a from Tsartlip First Nation, facilitator Linda Flynn, and Tsartlip elder Judy Bartleman.  The facilitators did a great job of adapting the exercise to keep everyone safe and socially distanced and bring Canada’s difficult Indigenous history to life.  In the circle at the end, participants shared that they were deeply moved and eager to help bring this knowledge forward.

WildFlowers Drum Group at Orange Shirt Day Market. Credit: Jesse Holland

Then, on September 30, One Wave hosted the Orange Shirt Day First Nations Market & Mural at Royal Beach in Colwood in partnership with Songhees & Esquimalt Nations and Royal Beach.  This event was part of the Orange Shirt Day movement across Canada to honour all who went through the horror of residential schools and reaffirm that “Every Child Matters.”  It was an amazing, sunny day with art by Indigenous makers, songs from the WildFlowers girls’ drum group, Tongan dance by Ruby Kafalava, and bannock from Songhees Catering. 

To open this Orange Shirt Day event, Florence Dick shared opening words and her grandson Darwyn Seaweed did a territorial welcome.  Local artists Brianna Bear and Margaret August facilitated the mural, inviting community members to add a handprint and messages of love for residential school survivors.  We are grateful to Florence Dick for her guidance in arranging this beautiful day and Sara from Royal Beach for all the event planning support. 

During September, we also held several youth workshops.  Local youths had a chance to learn from Cowichan artist Stella Johnny and help out in the Tsawout Learning Garden with Tiffany Joseph.  Footage from these small group workshops will be released on social media this December.  A group of South Pacific and Indigenous youth committee also started plans for a community storytelling project to be announced soon!

Usually, One Wave wraps up in September, but this year we reached the end of September with lots more to offer!  This is mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as we found that each event took hours of extra planning.  The pandemic also meant we had to set attendance limits, making our free events less accessible than usual.  By the end of the month, we had plans still in the making with several Indigenous and Pacific artists, speakers, and partners and decided to extend One Wave, offering our remaining events online so that more people could enjoy them.

Pacific Story & Song storyteller Erin Blondeau

The first of these online events was Pacific Story & Song, an evening of Pacific arts and culture live-streamed by Sunset Labs on October 15.  Sharing stories at the event were Sḵx̱wu7mesh / W̱SÁNEĆ storyteller Tiffany Joseph, Métis storyteller Erin Blondeau, and Polynesian actress Rena Owen (Once Were Warriors, Star Wars, Siren).  The evening also featured live songs by Stz’uminus singer-songwriter Nate Harris from his upcoming album Precious You, PPP President Muavae Va’a, and local Hawaiian performer Anela Kahiamoe, as well as a song by Khu.éex’ centering on a story told by Tlingit / Iñupiaq / Paiute / Kaigani Haida vocalist Nahaan.  Thank you to all the presenters for your cultural sharings and to our special guest Rena Owen for making time from across the Pacific to speak about your journey and encourage each of us on our own.  Our recording of Pacific Story & Song will be released soon on social media.

Next up in the virtual space was our Together / As One Film Festival from October 23 to November 24.  Thank you to local Coast Salish filmmaker Steven Davies for putting together this powerful program of Pacific-based Indigenous features and shorts!  Our two opening films were Feature Film Vai by nine female South Pacific filmmakers, and the National Film Board short Now is The Time about Haida carver Robert Davidson and his reclamation of cultural traditions.  We then featured 6 films from Aotearoa, Haida Gwaii, Australia, and Kapuivik.  While the free viewing period for most of these films is over, we encourage you to check out our Film Festival webpage for some great films to add to your list or order at your local library!

Virtual Feast Panelist Tiffany Joseph

A final unique online One Wave event was called A Virtual Feast: Honouring and Revitalizing Indigenous Food Systems.  This was an interactive panel and film premier on Indigenous food sovereignty co-organized with our partners at the University of Victoria Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE).  We had more than 100 participants registered for the online event!  The dialogue was hosted by Lisa Kenoras and Jeff Corntassel with a traditional Lekwungen welcome by Brianna Dick.  The Virtual Feast fed us all with presentations by local Indigenous knowledge holders, Tiffany Joseph and Cheryl Bryce, and Papua New Guinean cultural TV producer, Jennifer Baing-Waiko, as well as a premier of CIRCLE’s new short film Rising Tides which you can find on our Vimeo here.

And that’s a wrap… almost!  We have one more One Wave event we hope to present this winter, the raising of the Pacific Peace Post at Macaulay Point, a beautifully carved house post by local Lekwungen carver Bradley Dick and Solomon Islands carver Ake Lianga.  We hope to see the Peace Post go up in early January — watch our social media channels for news!

Ake Lianga and Bradley Dick carving the Pacific Peace Post.

We were thrilled to offer a bountiful One Wave 2020 program in spite of the pandemic, making space for Pacific cultural sharing while offering paid opportunities for local artists and Indigenous knowledge keepers. To the volunteers who came with open hearts; to the artists and speakers who shared at One Wave events; to our amazing partners and funders who worked with us to make it happen; to the participants who came ready to learn and share; and to our team who pulled together in this challenging year  – thank you, thank you, thank you. 

Our programming partners for One Wave Gathering 2020 were Songhees Nation, Esquimalt Nation, MediaNet Flux Gallery, CIRCLE at UVIC, Theatre Inconnu, Puppets for Peace, Story Theatre, Pacific Opera Victoria, Vancouver Opera, and Royal Beach.  Thank you for helping design inspiring programs enjoyed by so many.

Key funders and contributors were Canadian Heritage, BC Arts Council, Government of Canada, Province of BC, CRD, City of Victoria, Township of Esquimalt, City of Colwood, CTV / CFAX, Rika Design, Peppers Foods, Royal Scot Hotel & Suites, Metropol, The Sign Pad, Black Press Media, and Sunset Labs.  Your contributions were crucial to the success of our One Wave Gathering.

Filed Under: Arts & Culture, First Nations, Knowledge Exchange, Partners & Sponsors, Solidarity, South Pacific

People & Passages: Announcing Phase 2 of the Indigenous Climate Action Program

December 1, 2020 by Pacific Peoples' Partnership

Prepared by Peter Boldt and Monica Shore (Iisaak Olam Foundation)

Pacific Peoples’ Partnership (PPP) is proud to announce that we will be partnering once again with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation  https://www.iisaakolam.ca/ (IOF) for the second phase of their Indigenous Climate Action Preschool Program (ICAP). Phase 1 was entitled ‘Cultivating Connections: Building Relationships between Nature, Culture and Community through Early Childhood Education’.

Photo Credit: IISAAK OLAM Foundation

With the huge success of the pilot and the continuing support of the TD Friends of the Environment, we are pleased to support IOF as they offer a second phase of this inspiring educational program, with a pandemic-influenced twist: ‘Cultivating Connections between Children and Nature from the Safety of Home.’ This will include five nature-based educational modules that are delivered online and that young children, families, and educators can use and adapt. Indigenous and western knowledge systems and teaching styles/tools will be employed to provide a rich and unique experience.

“We hope that this program will inspire young children and their families to connect with and learn from the environmental and cultural diversity of the place they call home. By home, we mean not only the dwelling or house in which we sleep, but the broader environment and ecosystems that teach us about our place in the world and our responsibilities to care for it,” explains Monica Shore, Executive Director of the IISAAK OLAM Foundation.

Photo Credit: IISAAK OLAM Foundation

While COVID-19 has certainly challenged us and caused our organizations to make adjustments to our work, PPP is delighted to assist IOF with such important programs for children. This project will advance work that began with the launch of the pilot in January of 2020, where IOF facilitated early-childhood education experiences in Saanich Parks, weaving together Indigenous and western teachings about nature and diversity. The next phase of this program will provide virtual learning opportunities for connecting young children to their local environment, applying both Indigenous and western knowledge systems.

For more information, please visit https://www.iisaakolam.ca/cayac. More details to come in January 2021!

Filed Under: Climate Change, First Nations, Partners & Sponsors, South Pacific

One Wave 2020

September 9, 2020 by Pacific Peoples' Partnership

One Wave is Back in September … with many Online and In-Person Events!

By Jaimie Sumner, PPP Operations Coordinator & One Wave Program Coordinator

It’s September, and our 13th annual One Wave Gathering is once again brightening the streets of Victoria, BC in beautiful Lekwungen territories!  One Wave is a free, family-friendly celebration of Pacific Island and Indigenous cultures organized by Pacific Peoples’ Partnership each year.  This year’s gathering is focused on the themes of resilience and allyship and will feature arts and culture events including Indigenous opera, digital media, theatre, film, workshops, and more.

Pearls of the South Pacific Dancers at One Wave 2018. Credit: Heather Tuft

In these challenging times, we feel it is more important than ever to make space for cultural connection and learning.  While we need to take precautions to keep each other safe, it is vital that we find ways to share special moments, listen to each other, and engage with the issues facing the Pacific.  From Samoa to T’Sou-ke, from Viti Levu to Lekwungen territory, Pacific communities are working to preserve and revitalize culture, pass on knowledge, and ensure a healthy future for all.  At One Wave, we invite people from all backgrounds into the circle to hear these stories, be inspired, and find ways to move forward together.

Our team has worked extra hard this year to create safe ways to come together.  This year, we are offering a robust online program as well as a few in-person events within the safe protocols of social distancing.

Read on for some highlights you can expect at One Wave this month.  Some of our events will not be announced in advance, so join us on Facebook and check out our website to avoid missing out!  

 A colorful theatrical performance accompanies Indigenous author, Roy Henry Vickers, as he reads from his children’s book Peace Dancer. Credit: Tony Sprackett

Together / As One – Sept. 3-18 at FLUX Gallery 821 Fort St.

Visit the gallery and witness powerful Indigenous and Pacific stories woven together in Together / As One, an exciting digital media and art exhibit.  Watch carvings and masi cloths take shape and collective stories come alive in this display of cultural objects and films by local and international artists. Featured works include Roy Henry Vickers’ Peace Dancer (Theatre Inconnu, Story Theatre, Puppets for Peace) and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas’ Flight of the Hummingbird (Pacific Opera/Opera Vancouver).   You are welcome to visit Tuesday – Friday between 12-5pm and walk through the exhibit in groups of 6 or less.  We will provide visitors with masks and social distancing instructions to ensure a safe space for all.

Flight of the Hummingbird performers with Pacific Opera Victoria and Opera Vancouver

KAIROS Blanket Exercise – 9:30am, Sat, Sept. 26 at Royal Athletic Park *Sign up on EventBrite to reserve your spot.

Deepen your understanding of allyship, reconciliation, and Indigenous history in Canada through an interactive history lesson called the Blanket Exercise.  During the exercise, participants will accompany facilitators on a journey through Indigenous history in Canada, spanning pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization, and resistance.  Blankets laid out on the ground will provide a visual guide to the history lesson as participants walk through a set of interactive exercises that bring history to life.  Attendance is limited, so reserve your space now on EventBrite and visit the KAIROS website to learn more.

During the Blanket Exercise, blankets laid out on the ground symbolize Indigenous territories

Rising Tides 

Tune in online for a new film on Indigenous food sovereignty and climate justice by the Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE).  Rising Tides is locally produced and features knowledge-sharing and ideas for action shared by Erynne Gilpin, Jeff Corntassel, Peruzzo Andrade, Cheryl Bryce, Beangka Elliot, and April Ingham.

Pacific Peace House Post

A momentous event this year will be the installation of the Pacific Peace Post, a symbolic house post carved by local Lekwungen and Solomon Islands carvers Bradley Dick and Ake Lianga. The Pacific Peace Post will overlook the waters at Macaulay Point and stand as a symbol of peace and connection between Pacific peoples.  Watch for the unveiling in late September!

Carvers Bradley Dick and Ake Lianga working on the Pacific Peace House Post

Films, Pop-ups, Workshops & More!

Join our Facebook or visit our website for a full listing of events.  We have lots more exciting programming in the works this month, including online feature films, pop-up music and dance, workshops on topics from slam poetry to weaving, and maybe even a drive-in theatre.

We hope to see old friends and new as we gather once more – in person and online – for a powerful program of Pacific stories, songs, and speakers.

If you are interested in volunteering, there may still be an opportunity!  For more information, get in touch with us at: operations@pacificpeoplespartnership.org.

One Wave Gathering is held on Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ territory and made possible with the consent and consultations by hereditary and elected leaders, elders, youths, artists and community members.

Our amazing partners for One Wave 2020 include Songhees Nation, Esquimalt Nation, MediaNet FLUX Gallery, CIRCLE (Centre for Indigenous Research and Community Led Engagement at UVIC), Theatre Inconnu, Puppets for Peace, Story Theatre, Pacific Opera Victoria, Vancouver Opera,  City of Victoria, Township of Esquimalt, the Government of Canada, the Province of BC, Canadian Heritage, British Columbia Art Council, Capital Regional District, CTV / CFAX, and Rika Design.

Filed Under: Arts & Culture, First Nations, Knowledge Exchange, Partners & Sponsors, Solidarity, South Pacific

September 2020: Featured Partner

September 9, 2020 by Pacific Peoples' Partnership

Pacific Peoples’ Partnership recognizes MediaNet FLUX Gallery as our featured partner. 

MediaNet is a non-profit organization in Victoria that offers local community members access to the tools and training to create and present their own digital art and media. We acknowledge their long-time partnership with PPP including support of our annual One Wave Gathering, and other programs designed to respectfully encourage the creative vision and voices of Indigenous and South Pacific artists.

MediaNet has collaborated with PPP in many ways, offering access to film and video equipment to record educational events; providing training in media technology to our staff, volunteers and program participants; plus they have extended us the generous use of their creative studio and FLUX Gallery. Be sure to check out our latest collaboration at the FLUX Gallery, the digital media and art show Together / As One from September 3-18.

Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Partners & Sponsors, Staff & Volunteers

July 2020 Featured Partner

July 28, 2020 by Pacific Peoples' Partnership

Pacific Peoples’ Partnership recognizes the City of Victoria as our partner.  We thank them for their long-time funding and in-kind support of our One Wave Gathering.  In this year of COVID adjustments, we appreciate their understanding, support and flexibility, towards our work bridging communities and building solidarity as we celebrate the resilience of Pacific and Indigenous arts & cultures. 

Filed Under: Partners & Sponsors

45 moments over 45 years – Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Pacific Peoples’ Partnership  

April 30, 2020 by Pacific Peoples' Partnership

Compiled by Andy Nystrom, PPP Volunteer Archivist and Researcher

Traditional Sepik Dugout canoe by A. Holbrook

Many years of our organization’s Tok Blong and Tok Blong Pasifik journals have captured numerous highlights between 1982 and 2015. To celebrate our 45th anniversary, here are 45 highlights from our years of work linking Canada and the South Pacific.

Please note: From 1975 to 2000, the organization was known as South Pacific Peoples’ Foundation (SPPF) and from then on as Pacific Peoples’ Partnership (PPP).

We hope you enjoy these 45 highlights!  We have linked to the online Tok Blong editions for each fact – please see page numbers for specific articles.

  1. Since 1982, Tok Blong Pasifik has featured a rich variety of “talk that belongs” to the Pacific: news, views, debates and insights. Begun in a pre-internet, fledgling-independence, nuclear cold-war era, where communications among Pacific islands was prohibitively expensive and where North-South information flows were virtually non-existent, Tok Blong Pasifik filled a void not only for Northerners concerned about peoples of the region, but also for Pacific islanders curious to hear about neighbouring South Pacific nations. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 23.
  2. In 1982, SPPF organized a tour of British Columbia and Alberta for Sinisia Taumoepeau, an artist from Tonga. The tour helped to give SPPF’s work further exposure in BC and Alberta and showcased Taumoepeau’s work. #3 Winter 1982, page 2.
  3. We spoke with Rabhie Namaliu, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for Papua New Guinea, when he was in Victoria at the end of November 1983 to receive an honourary Doctors of Law degree from the University of Victoria. While in Victoria he was interviewed by Phil Esmonde, our first Executive Director, for Tok Blong. In the interview Namaliu discussed the plebiscites in the Trust Territories, independence for New Caledonia and Polynesia, a nuclear-free Pacific, Japanese multinationals in PNG, and the effects of mining on PNG’s economy. #7 Jan 1984, pages 13-16.
  4. In 1987 SPPF produced fact sheets on the Pacific on the topics of Tourism, Health, Population, and Fisheries. These original versions were compiled by Jay Gould with funding assistance from the Challenge ’87 summer works program. #21 Nov 1987 pages 10, 14; pages 11-14 are the health sheet.
  5. In 1988 SPPF produced postcards criticizing French nuclear testing in French Polynesia, which got a response from Guy Azais, Charge d’Affaires in December of that year. The following January, Phil Esmonde responded, pointing out that all Pacific governments had asked France to stop testing in the Pacific, and suggesting that if France is correct that there are no health or environmental effects from the nuclear testing, they should welcome an independent investigation on the effects of nuclear testing on the health and environment of French Polynesia. #27 April 1989 pages 17-18.
  6. A partnership with Project Canada Pacifique in Montreal led to French versions of Tok Blong. #30 Jan 1990 page 2. Check out the January and May French editions from 1991!
  7. A crew of SPPF supporters formed a team in the 3rd annual Save the Strait Marathon (August 22). Traversing 29 kilometres of Georgia Strait from the mainland to Vancouver Island by kayak, the intrepid band of six raised $1,538 in support of SPPF projects and Save Georgia Strait Alliance environmental programs. #40 Aug 1992 page 2.
    Traditional Coast Salish dugout canoe with Teddy Balangu. by A. Holbrook
  8. SPPF’s revised mission statement in 1992 was to promote increased understanding of social justice, environment, development, health and other issues of importance to the people of the Pacific Islands; and to supporting equitable, environmentally sustainable development and social justice in the region. #40 Aug 1992 page 10.
  9. From 1991-1993, SPPF and the Sierra Club of Western Canada co-sponsored the Indonesia-Canada Rese postage and harch Project, which examined the Canadian presence in Indonesia, particularly West Papua/lrian Jaya, and the impact of this presence on the indigenous Papuan people and environment. #43 May 1993 page 2.
  10. 1994’s “Land is the Heart of the People” conference drew 100 people, including 10 Pacific Is-landers and 30 First Nations people. Several Pacific Islanders and First Nations people, including local Cowichan people, contributed to the program. The result was a conference more shaped by Indigenous perspectives than in the past. #47 May 1994 page 2.
  11. In 1996, SPPF hosted 3 Pacific youth on temporary volunteer placements. All three (Fredlyn Nako of Vanuatu, Faye Nuakona of Papua New Guinea, and Eroni Rakuita of Fiji) were students at Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific and were interviewed for Tok Blong. Vol. 50 #2 Jun 1996 pages 1, 8-10, 12, 15.
  12. The growing concerns of Indigenous Peoples in the Pacific and Canada about the critical issues surrounding intellectual property rights and patent law, and the threats they bring to the traditional knowledge and culture of Indigenous Peoples, motivated SPPF to choose the theme “Our Knowledge, Our Rights: Traditional Knowledge and Pacific Peoples” for its 15th annual Pacific Networking Conference. Vol. 52 #4 Dec 1998-Feb 1999, page 5-6.
  13. On February 18, 2000 SPPF became PPP – Pacific Peoples’ Partnership. The new name was intended to better reflect the nature of our work and to distinguish PPP from other organisations working in the Pacific. Vol. 53 #4 December 1999 page 2.
  14. After a tidal wave hit Papua New Guinea in 1998, PPP members donated more than $6,000 to the Catholic Diocese of Aitape’s tidal wave relief effort. Vol. 54 #3, 2000, page 15.
  15. To celebrate PPP’s 25th anniversary, a cultural evening was held during the Pacific Networking Conference May, 2000. The evening celebrated the diversity of the participants and included performances by local First Nations, visiting South Pacific Islanders, and the Victoria and Vancouver expatriate Pacific community. It was held at the Lau Wel New Tribal School, Tsartlip Reserve in Saanich. Vol. 54 #3, 2000, page 16
    PPP Produced Hailans to Ailans Cultural Sharing 2009 by A Holbrook
  16. In 2000, prominent travel book writer David Stanley praised PPP, calling it “North America’s leading advocate for the inhabitants of a third of the earth’s surface. May the voices echo and the waves unite the goals and aspirations we all share.”
  17. In 2003, the Canadian Council for International Cooperation pulled together a reference group on public engagement for the first time. PPP was one of 10 members of this policy forum whose primary goals include exploring ways the community can work together to strengthen our educational work, articulate a common vision for engaging Canadians in development issues internationally, and determine how best to measure and build on the results of previous efforts. Vol. 1 #1 Spr 2003 page 5.
  18. The Indigenous Peoples’ Abroad Program (IPAP) provided opportunities for young professionals from Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to engage directly in sustainable development initiatives, sharing skills, knowledge and cultural perspectives with Indigenous counterparts in the Small Island Developing States of the Pacific. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 pages 7, 22. The following items (18 – 32) are from the same issue.
  19. After Cyclone Isaac hit Tonga, SPPF fundraised throughout 1982-1983 to assist in rebuilding Tonga. SPPF fundraising, supplemented by a three-to-one CIDA matching grant, resulted in more than $40,000 in reconstruction support to Tongan communities in 11 islands of the isolated Ha’apai Group. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 20.
  20. As part of the Marasim Meri Program (1987-1992), SPPF was a primary fundraiser, with CIDA matching funds three to one. Maprik Hospital partnered with the Maprik Women’s Association to select respected women from remote villages, train them in basic health, and provide them a dependable supply of basic medicines. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 20.
  21. In 1994, SPPF supported fundraising by the PNG Integral Human Development Trust, which created a new cadre of literacy trainers and co-coordinators. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 20.
  22. In 1997, SPPF’s network set out to ensure that Pacific Islanders were not marginalized during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit and APEC Parallel Conference, a gathering of civil-society hosted in Canada. The Pacific Networking Conference of that year was strategically timed so that Pacific Islanders attending the conference could also participate in the APEC Parallel Conference. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 21.
  23. From 1997-2001, the Ecowoman project grew from the determination of Pacific women to promote sound eco-friendly science at the grassroots level. Project leadership came from the South Pacific Action Committee for Human Ecology & Environment (SPACHEE), a collective of women in science and technology, representing traditional methods and modern approaches. By working together, they were determined to have urban-rural collaboration that improved their lives and protected their environment. CIDA contributed $100,000 and the SPACHEE-PPP partnership provided $60,000 in cash and in-kind contributions. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 21.
  24. The Canada-South Pacific Ocean Development Programme (CSPOD) (1997-2004) was the largest Canadian development initiative in the Pacific Islands. PPP partnered on this 14-year $28-million CIDA project which started in 1988. CSPOD increased the capacity of regional institutions to manage and South Pacific marine resources. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 21.
  25. From 1998-2003, the WAINIMATE support project combined preservation and enhancement of traditional science-based knowledge with forest and environmental protection. It forged links with Canadian First Nation traditional medicine practitioners through exchanges that included workshops on governance, intellectual property rights and biodiversity conservation. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 21.
  26. The Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Science and Sustainable Development Project (IPSP) (1999-2000) focused on cultivating exchanges and linkages between Canadian and Pacific Island Indigenous peoples for mutual problem-solving. A series of reciprocal visits, tours and discussion forums were held jointly by Canadian First Nations and Pacific Islander groups. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 22.
  27. Indigenous youth-to-youth activities (2001): This CIDA-funded project provided four venues for youth: a tour in Canada’s Northwest and the South Pacific, workshops on Vancouver Island and in Kelowna, cultural evenings, and publication of a youth issue of Tok Blong Pasifik. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 22.
  28. Speaking Out: Indigenous Media Talks Development – In 2003, PPP organized a program to send three prominent Indigenous journalists to Fiji and Vanuatu for a three-week tour. This was intended so that Indigenous people from Canada could examine the commonalities of experience among Indigenous peoples in Canada and the South Pacific and gain a deeper understanding of how communities are addressing challenges creatively. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 22.
  29. From 1996-1998, SPPF and CUSO co-sponsored a Canadian occupational therapist to work for two years with the Vanuatu Society for Disabled Persons (VSDP). Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 20
  30. Fair Trade: Bad Business or Global Prosperity? (2004-2005) – This public engagement initiative, which included the educational resource kit “Trade My Way”, saw PPP conduct a series of consultations about trade and values with a diverse cross-section of people in 15 different communities across British Columbia. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 22.
  31. Shifting Tides: Indigenous responses to global climate change (2007) was conceived to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities in Canada and in the South Pacific. In November 2007, an international delegation of Canadian Aboriginal and Cook Islands Maori Elders, Youth, and Scientists took part in a month-long tour that involved visits to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands and various cities in Canada, including Victoria, The Cowichan Valley, and Vancouver, BC; Winnipeg, MB; Ottawa, ON; and Iqaluit, NU. It was delivered in collaboration with the Kouto Nui council of traditional leaders in the Cook Islands with sponsorship from CIDA and additional financial support from IDRC, the Mountain Equipment Co-op, BC Hydro, Canadian North, The British Columbia Council for International Cooperation, the United Church of Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 22
  32. Pacific Promises: A Story from the Leaders of Tomorrow (2008) was originally published as a special edition of Tok Blong Pasifik in 2008. The children’s book, funded by CIDA and Mountain Equipment Co-op was written by Stephanie Peter and Deyna Marsh with illustrations by Natalie Christensen.  The writers were participants in past PPP youth projects and were inspired to write this book about the impact of climate change on the social, cultural and economic well-being of Pacific island Indigenous peoples in the South and North Pacific. Vol 8 #2 Nov 2010 page 22.
  33. From 2009-2012 Papua: Land of Peace: Civil Society Leadership in Conflict Transformation (PLP), funded by CIDA harnessed rights-based approaches toward integrating capacity strengthening and education around sustainable livelihoods, Indigenous rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, and violence against women. Dec 2015 page 4.
  34. The Phil Esmonde Legacy Fund, in remembrance of SPPF’s first Executive Director, was started in 2011 as a way for donors to support PPP’s continuing mission of supporting the aspirations of South Pacific Islanders and Indigenous peoples. Dec 2015 page 4.
  35. In 2012, a Special Edition of Tok Blong Pasifik called Raven and Paradise explored the alternate biospheres of West Papua, Indonesia and the Coast Salish territories of Canada. It included illustrations by children from both Coast Salish and West Papuan communities as well as the skilled work of T’Sou-ke Nation artist Mark Gauti and the literary talent of Jen Jorgensen. This storybook was also produced in Indonesian. Dec 2015 page 5.                                 
    The late Dan Lepsoe and Elaine Monds evaluating a Sepik River carving.
  36. After volunteer Dan Lepsoe passed away in 2013, PPP created the Dan Lepsoe Chisel Fund to assist carvers in the Sepik region in the purchase of new chisels. Dec 2015 page 18. 
  37. With the Indigenous-Led HIV Prevention Strategy for Tanah Papua (2013-2015), PPP, the University of Calgary, and our partners in West Papua initiated collaborative research to examine effective HIV prevention and treatment among Indigenous mothers. Dec 2015 page 5.
  38. At the 22nd Pacific Networking Conference: ‘Rising Tides: Our Lands, Our Waters, Our Peoples’ in September 2015, participants examined issues such as reclaiming of traditional knowledge, land stewardship, Indigenous governance, environmental sustainability, and Indigenous solidarity. Three days of the conference were spent with our Coast Salish Tsartlip, T’So-uke and Songhees partners. Dec 2015 page 12.
  39. The Pacific Voices X-Change (PVX) Indigenous Youth Artist Residency was held from August 10 to 21, 2015, providing ten Indigenous Youth from ages 15-30 with the opportunity to grow their creative voice, skills, and art practices in a two-week intensive training day-program. Youth were guided with the knowledge and insight of main mentor Janet Marie Rogers, as well as a diverse lineup of artist mentors and Coast Salish territorial guides. Through the exploration of creative writing, photography, song writing, audio recording, poetry and more, the youth created works that express very diverse insights and perspectives. Dec. 2015 page 22-23.
  40. In February of 2016, the strongest and costliest cyclone in the history of the South Pacific of the time, Cyclone Winston swept across Queensland, Tonga, Vanuatu, Niue, and Fiji. Tropical Cyclone Winston illustrated the widespread damage an extreme climate event can inflict upon island nations. Together with a variety of donors, including the local Pacific Islander community of the Victoria area, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership raised $15,000 for rebuilding Loreto Catholic School. The funding was channelled through the Pacific Resilience Fund, a flexible funding mechanism designed to promote medium term resiliency programming in communities as a supplement to the short-term disaster relief system. News, August 30, 2017 http://
  41. RedTide: International Indigenous Climate Action Summit, May 2018, was hosted in the Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, a Māori iwi located in the eastern Bay of Plenty and East Coast regions of New Zealand’s North Island. At this gathering, Indigenous scholars, activists, knowledge keepers and artists from around the world connected and shared stories and knowledge about climate change and resilience.
  42. FrancOcéan Pacifique connected British Columbia and New Caledonia youth via a collaborative, interactive ocean study program, which included educational booklets, exchanging of Indigenous knowledge, and preparatory worksheets and videos. In support of these educational activities, a website was created to promote and to prepare the youth for the central events: the live dives.
    Canadian Cabinet Minister Maryam Monsef, Squamish Council Members and PPP Executive Director April Ingham at a PPP/BCCIC Side Event The Longhouse Dialogues as part of a Women Deliver, June 2019.
  43. In 2017, PPP’s 10th annual Pacific & Indigenous arts and culture event One Wave Gathering was marked by a unique symbolic installation: the Longhouse Project. Under the direction of Nuu-chah-nulth artist Hjalmer Wenstob, four First Nations and Maori youth were selected to design art for the façades of the temporary longhouses. The houses were created in the styles of the Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and South Pacific Islands respectively. Inside each longhouse, community members from each area created welcoming and educational interactive spaces for the public. Situated with permission at the BC Legislature, it was the first time in many generations that four longhouses stood on this former traditional Lekwungen village site.   The Longhouses were raised again at the Women Deliver Conference in Vancouver in June 2019 as centres for dialogues.
  44. In October 2019, as Indonesian state violence mounted against protesters in West Papua, concerned Canadians including PPP called for pressure on the Indonesian government to halt repression and take steps against racism in the Pacific Island region.
  45. The measles outbreak in Samoa in late 2019 hit close to home for PPP’s President Muavae Va’a, who grew up in Samoa. Through the Pacific Resilience Fund, PPP raised collected donations to support affected families and health care workers. In January 2020, Muavae traveled to hear stories from affected families, identify ways we could help, and provide support. One of the ways he and partners identified to help was purchasing a new washing machine, dryer and boiler for Lalomanu village hospital, which took pressure off hard-working nurses who were washing all hospital linens by hand.

Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Justice & Equality, Knowledge Exchange, Partners & Sponsors, Solidarity, South Pacific Tagged With: #WeAreResilient, 45 facts for 45 years

PPP Featured Partner – RIKA

April 30, 2020 by April Ingham

PPP wishes to acknowledge our long-time supporter and partner, RIKA For over a decade, RIKA has donated his art and graphic design skills to support Pacific Peoples’ Partnership and our programs such as One Wave Gathering.

RIKA at Work!

RIKA is an Oceanscape artist in British Columbia, Canada working in brushed inks, watercolor and metallic leafing. His subject matter is the ocean surrounding the land he loves, the Pacific Northwest. As a socially-conscious artist , he also produces art and supports organizations that address environment and social justice issues especially as they pertain to Indigenous and South Pacific peoples, and our shared environment.

Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Partners & Sponsors, Solidarity, Staff & Volunteers Tagged With: Partner

Pasifik Currents – Spring Edition 2020

March 9, 2020 by April Ingham

April Ingham and Greta Thunberg in Swedish Lapland

Talofa Lava Friends,

Happy International Women’s Day!  Spring is starting to show itself here on Vancouver Island.  The days are getting longer, blossoms are slowly revealing themselves and a buzz of excitement is in the air as Pacific Peoples’ Partnership (PPP) grows ever nearer to our 45th Anniversary on April 8!  This is a special time of celebration and reflection for PPP, and we are thrilled to mark this milestone by embarking on a Wayfinding 2020 mission.

With the support of funder Tamalpais Trust, a San Francisco-based organization supporting Indigenous-led projects, PPP will connect with former, current and potential future partners throughout the South Pacific in a deep listening and learning mission. Ironically this mission recently began with a trip to Sápmi Territories (Swedish Lapland, Arctic Circle) where we witnessed Pawanka Fund’s transformative approach to philanthropy through global Indigenous solidarity and self-determination.  This incredible initiative is highlighted in the enclosed article.

Findings and inputs from Wayfinding 2020 will inform PPP’s strategic plans for 2020-2025 to ensure they support South Pacific Islanders’ stated priorities and self determined solutions. It is anticipated this will lead to strengthened partnerships, more impactful programming and the transformation of our Pacific Resilience Fund (PRF) into an Indigenous led fund.  So, watch for our continued updates on social media and through Pasifik Currents.

These have been busy and productive days here at PPP with lots of exciting programs in the works or just completed.  Want to learn more? Check out our 2018-19 Annual Report and Audited Statements and our recent articles about our activities including the Climate Connect Indigenous Youth Workshop in November 2019, plus check out the touching outcomes of our recent PRF Samoa Campaign as experienced first hand by our President Muavae Va’a in December 2019. You will also see our recent solidarity statement for Wet’suwet’en; and our newest feature Pacific Pulse, a curated and synthesized selection of emergent Pacific news, plus lots of other great updates!

Our Board, Volunteers and small team of Staff are working hard to be of service to the Peoples of the South Pacific.  To this end, we also work in solidarity with Indigenous peoples worldwide alongside many strong allies.  As we near our 45th Anniversary we urge your continued engagement and expanded charitable support of our mandate – Please donate today!  We look forward to celebrating this amazing milestone with you throughout 2020!

Yours in Solidarity for Peace,

April Ingham

Executive Director

Filed Under: Climate Change, First Nations, Gender and Women, Human Rights, Knowledge Exchange, Partners & Sponsors, Resurgence, Solidarity, South Pacific, Staff & Volunteers Tagged With: Greta Thunberg, Wayfinding

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »
We rely on the generosity of people like you for our work across the Pacific. Consider giving today to support our Pacific Resilience COVID Response!

Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!

Pasifik Currents Newsletter

Stay informed with Pasifik Currents , your vital link to Pacific news and views, Indigenous resurgence, and local events!

Donate your air miles to us on Aeroplan so we can fly out more guests from the South Pacific and other areas of Canada to attend Red Tide. Your generous donation will help us provide an educational experience for youth who want to learn about climate change and the environment.

Click the donate button, and you can make a difference in a child’s life.

https://beyondmiles.aeroplan.com/charity/477

Connect With Us

Pacific Peoples' Partnership
#407 620 View St., Victoria BC
Canada V8W 1J6

We want to hear from you!

Contact Information

Join Us On Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

About Us

For 45 years, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership has supported the aspirations of South Pacific Islanders and Indigenous peoples for peace, environmental sustainability, social justice and community development.

Read More

 

Pasifik Currents: Latest Posts

  • Executive Message: March 2021
  • Celebrating Women Across the South Pacific
  • Stories of Resilience Update

Copyright © 2022 · Enterprise Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in