On Aug. 1, Utah will kick off its third annual Pacific Island Heritage Month with activities at the Sorenson Unity Center in Salt Lake City.
In 2013, Gov. Gary Herbert declared this month because of the large population of Pacific Islanders who live in Utah.
“Utah has the largest Pacific Island community per percent in all states,” said SusiFeltch-Malohifo’ou, co-founder of Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources, which founded the Utah Pacific Island Heritage Month.
Malohifo’ou said the month started as a way to educate people about the differences between Pacific Island cultures.
“There are some cultural differences, but I think outside of our community, people don’t recognize that,” Malohifo’ou said. “So it was a good way for the Pacific Island community organizations to kind of give them an opportunity to highlight their culture similarities amongst us all, but also our differences.”
Malohifo’ou said another aim is for people to look past stereotypes. She said this is not just for people outside the community, it is for the next generation of Pacific Islanders in the United States, who think they have to be a certain way to fit within their ethnic identity.
“If I’m a boy and I’m not a football player and I’m not a gang member, but guess what I really like to do, something else,” Malohifo’ou said. “Am I allowed to do that? What are other people going to think about me? I’m not a football player, oh my gosh...what’s wrong with me. I’m supposed to be a football player. I’m supposed to be this type of person. That’s what everybody outside of my house is saying to me.”
Throughout the month, there will be various activities including screenings of films by Pacific Island filmmakers. More information can be found on the event'sFacebook page.