Indigenous rights activist Trask says all eyes are on Guam
The woman who helped write the UN's declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples says all eyes are on Guam's quest for decolonization.
Hawaiian Attorney Mililani Trask, arguably the most well-known indigenous activist to take part in last week's Fanhita decolonization conference, told KUAM News more bridges will be built between Pacific island movements. Trask says common problems tie us together.
"We have so many critical issues that overlap here," she said. "Militarization, toxicity of the land base, health, loss of indigenous language. So we have a great deal of experiences that we can share to strengthen each other."
"Soon" - that's when Adelup spokeswoman Krystal Paco says the governor will announce Guam's way forward after the 9th circuit court ruled that an indigenous plebiscite violated Dave Davis' constitutional rights. Guam is moving forward with a political status education campaign, but cannot register voters for a CHamoru only vote on which political status option is favored by the indigenous people of the island.
While Guam has not always seen support for its struggles from Pacific island populations outside of Micronesia, Trask said she has been trying to bring Pacific peoples together for 40 years. She adds that our island will start to see more support from the region.
"Right now there's a great opportunity to really expand that and that is because the entire Pacific casts their attention to Guam," Trask said. "Guam is moving forward for their indigenous people's. They have already gone to the federal District Court and the 9th circuit. One more step, review by the U.S. Supreme Court, will open the door for Guam to enter into the International Human Rights courts. So all in the Pacific - government and indigenous - are now observing Guam, and for indigenous, we will come to support."
Trask, a Hawaiian attorney and activist who founded the Hawaiian sovereignty movement's Na Koa Ikaika o Ka Lahui Hawai?i, co-wrote the United Nations' declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. She said she came to share how not all native Hawaiians are satisfied with their status, adding that their insight can help guide Guam in its own quest for decolonization.
"We can see what the legacy of statehood has been," she said. "It has not fulfilled the promise. We are best able to share with others in the Pacific what statehood and what incorporation means for them and their children."
Trask says she was very impressed with "old-guard" decolonization leaders like Dr. Robert Underwood and Hope Cristobal, and she said she sees similarities in how activism is shared through generations, from Manamko to manhoben.
"It is the natural indigenous way," she said. "The Kupuna - those who are the oldest - have the longest life experience, that is passed like a torch to the Makua - to those who are now adults. For what purpose? For enlightening and strengthening our youth, who are only the leaders of the future. When we learn and see the strategies that other indigenous and Pacific are utilizing, we then are best able to defend our lands and our peoples and advance and espouse our causes."