Preservation of Music in Oceania

Question 1

Where are the Marshall Islands?

Answer 1

~Part of Oceania region
~Pacific ocean - Micronesia

Question 2

What was the impact of climate change on the Marshall islands?

Answer 2

~Disruption of traditional ways of life and cultural practices
~Saltwater intrusion into freshwater source
~Loss of lands and homes
~Islands are disappearing, rising sea levels

Question 3

What is the significance of the term “climate refugees”?

Answer 3

~Refers to people who are forced to leave their homes due to the effects of climate change
~Pacific islands are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change
~The option for relocation is severely limited

Question 4

What are the arguments against being labeled as climate refugees?

Answer 4

~Portrays them as helpless, passive victims which they are not
~Discourse of victimhood

Question 5

How do Pacific islands, especially Tuvalu, view discussions of climate change and migration?

Answer 5

Migration vs. mitigation: too much focus on the idea of them being relocated rather than dealing with the environment and climate change

Question 6

What is the relation between the discussion of climate change and cultural sustainability and the preservation of music and cultural traditions?

Answer 6

~Music and music traditions are potentially endangered when few people are left to support the tradition
~Important for maintaining identity, culture tradition, community, cohesion
~They could lose their identity if they are forced to leave their land
~A change in any part of the ecosystem affects the whole of it

Question 7

What is the Tuvalu: Pacific Project?

Answer 7

~Addressed cultural engagement and preservation efforts
~Digitization and preservation of a large collection of archival recordings of traditional music
~Ensures survival for future generations
~Raise awareness of cultural heritage
~Facilitated collaboration between indigenous artists and researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada

Question 8

What is whanaungatanga?

Answer 8

~Familial concept
~Relationships, kinship, and a sense of family connection
~Created through shared experiences
~Provides a sense of belonging

Question 9

What is the purpose of rethinking the problem of climate change and globalization for Pacific islands?

Answer 9

Conservation efforts for music and cultural traditions in the Pacific Islands can be more effective, sustainable, and culturally sensitive

Question 10

What is Rapa Nui?

Answer 10

~Easter Island, territory of Chile, known as Moai Statues, within Polynesian triangle
~Chilean territory since 1888
~Mixed cultural influences; Latin American, Polynesian, etc.
~1860’s: Missionaries, Tahitian hymn tunes
~Early 20th century: guitar and accordian
~1960’s: North American troops, rock music
~Traditional song/dance: helps celebrate shared heritage with other Polynesian cultures even under Chilean control
~Chilean influence: education/official communication in Spanish, media/pop influences
~Island’s history is important: settlement, isolation, encounters with Europeans and cultural change

Question 11

How has the Chilean government influenced Rapa Nui culture and language?

Answer 11

~Education policies (Spanish being taught in schools)
~Official communication (Spanish)

Question 12

What is the role of performance in preservation?

Answer 12

~Ancient language is used
~Social events, traditional ceremonies, tourist oriented shows
~Transmission of oral tradition pertaining to cultural history