In Episode 42 of Coming to the Mat, host Dr. Méré Tari Sovick sits down with writer, poet, Indigenous cultural researcher, and public historian Adam Keawe Manalo-Camp to explore the shared cultural, linguistic, and spiritual lineage of the Pacific through the lens of kava (or 'awa). Raised in the homestead community of Papakōlea, Hawaii, Adam shares insights on how 'awa served as a vital "canoe plant" brought by early Polynesian voyagers, tracing its ancestral roots back to Melanesia. The conversation dives into the ancient transition from betel nut to kava, common Austronesian root words—such as Vanua and Honua—and how plants function as living ancestral connections across Oceania. Together, Dr. Sovick and Adam address the impacts of colonial separation, discuss the importance of including Melanesian and Micronesian voices in broader Pacific narratives, and highlight how reclaiming traditional practices serves as a powerful act of resurgence and unity for Pasifika communities today.

Language is the very anchor of identity, carrying the history and spirit of a people. From 1906 to 1980, the islands of Vanuatu were bound under an Anglo-French Condominium and historically called the "New Hebrides." As independence neared, a special committee was intentionally brought together to rename the country, reclaiming their identity and sovereignty through words that truly belonged to them.

As we approach the upcoming July 30th celebrations marking Vanuatu's 46th year of independence from those two colonial powers, there is no better time for every indigenous ni-Vanuatu person to take profound pride in knowing who they are. True independence is not just political; it lives in understanding your roots, your language, and the brilliant ancestral engineering that has kept your people alive for generations.

Workplace sexual harassment isn’t just about unwanted advances or inappropriate jokes—it’s about power, control, and the violation of personal boundaries. It’s defined by its impact on the victim, not the intent of the perpetrator. Yet, it remains underreported, especially in environments where power imbalances make it difficult for victims to speak up. The effects are devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues. But there is hope. Around the world, people are raising their voices, demanding change, and holding perpetrators accountable.

In this episode, we’ll explore the realities of workplace sexual harassment, its psychological and physical impacts, and the progress being made to combat it. We’ll also provide resources and support for those affected.

GUEST: Joining us today is Gabrielle Tor, a passionate advocate for women’s rights, a certified counselor, and the Health Lead for Melanesian Women Today. With her expertise, we’ll dive deeper into the psychological impact of workplace harassment and explore ways to create safer, more equitable workspaces.

This episode introduces a new segment in our Coming to the Mat series for 2025, spotlighting climate change and other pressing issues reshaping the Pacific's political landscape, such as deep-sea mining.

Recorded last year and released today, this timely discussion underscores the urgency of fostering awareness and dialogue at national and community levels.

We are joined by Dr. Tarcisius Kabutaulaka, a renowned political scientist and proud son of the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. Dr. Kabutaulaka holds a PhD from the Australian National University and undergraduate and MA degrees from the University of the South Pacific (USP). He joined the Center for Pacific Islands Studies in 2009 and served as its director from 2018 to 2021. Before that, he was a Research Fellow at the East-West Center’s Pacific Islands Development Program and taught history and political science at USP.