Colonial Administration Files

The British Foreign Office will be making available to the public a large collection of files from former British territories which are also known as the “migrated files.” These files will be transferred to The National Archives (TNA) and will affect some of the countries in the Pacific, most notably in Fiji, Gilbert and Ellice Islands, New Hebrides*, and the Solomon Islands. The first batch of files representing about 16% of the total collection is expected to be available at TNA in April 2012.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has published a transfer timetable. For more information regarding these files and to view the timetable, please click here.

*Speaking of New Hebrides, which is now known as Vanuatu, ICAS will continue to support the development of the new National Library and Archives building on the grounds of the Cultural Center. We are set to accomplish another project for the National Archives this summer. Look for another fund-raising event through GlobalGiving in April. However, if you are itching to support the project today, please visit our 2012 projects page.

This picture depicts a model of the new National Library and Archives building (right from the tree) at the Cultural Center.

 

FIDA Award to ICAS

Great news!

The Fund for the International Development of Archives (FIDA) through the International Council on Archives (ICA) have awarded Island Culture Archival Support 8000 Euros (approximately $10,000) for a project at the National Archives of Solomon Islands (NASI).  

The goal of FIDA is specifically designed to meet the needs of archive institutions and professional archivists in what may be very broadly defined as ‘developing countries’.

Our project will focus on preserving one of the most valued and heavily used collection in the archives- The British Solomon Islands Protectorate.

Without providing conservation methods to the records, drastic measures may have to be implemented to reduce access to the collection. Therefore, together with particular NASI staff members, we want to achieve four major goals for this project:

1. Preserve this extremely unique collection.
2. Make collection more accessible with also the intent to provide a Finding Guide.
3. Train relevant staff-members basic conservation and access techniques.
4. Develop a Preservation Manual.

To learn more about FIDA and ICA please visit their Website.

Project Palau- Final Result

Although we fell a little short of raising our goal amount of $4000.00, we did manage to raise $3775.00. Extraordinary! Our colleagues at the National Archives of Palau will be quite pleased.

Our deepest and sincerest gratitude goes out to all those who contributed to this endeavor. Thanks again for your help!!

If you want to continue to contribute donations to this project, or donate to other 2012 assignments, please visit our Website. A full list of projects will soon be available.

Above is an aerial view of Koror, the largest town of Palau where the project will take place in May, 2012.

Project Palau- Week 4

Ungil Kurismas! (Merry Christmas in Palauan)

Christmas Tree Worms on coral

We are coming to our final week of raising funds for our project at the National Archives of Palau. Thanks to all who have made a donation!! Let’s make this last week a magical one. Donate at: http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/preserve-records-in-palau/

Micronesia is certainly not without its Christmas traditions. One tradition that comes from the Marshall Islands is particularly interesting:

Men from the Marshalls put on their “Christmas Tree,” as they call it. A colorful hand-wrought tree is ingeniously hid­den inside a large wood cross. During the singing of Christmas carols and hymns the cross slowly opens and the “tree” rises from it. The first opening is accompanied by the noise of tiny firecrackers, which the singing group explode as they sing. Then the tree descends again into the cross until the singing of the last carol, when the two sides of the cross part and the tree remains-a Micronesian attempt to symbolize the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Christmas dishes in Palau may include roasted suckling pig with vegetables and sweet potatoes. Beef steak with garlic dressing and spicy steamed veggies and greens may also be served. The traditional desserts include banana spreads, coconut mousse, and coconut shakes or ice-creams that contain both ground coconut and the fruit’s light and flavored milk.

Happy Holidays!!

Project Palau- Week 3

In week 3 I thought it appropriate to mention a little something about legends of Palau. Palau, like the rest of the islands throughout the Pacific, is an oral society and stories have been passed down from generation to generation. Below is the legend on how Palau was formed:

Before there were people and land, there were only Palauan gods and the sea. One day, Uchelianged, the supreme god of heaven, looked down upon his vast emptiness and said, “Let there arise a land.” A volcanic rock then rose from the sea and upon this barren land sat a giant clam. Soon its belly began to swell and tremble, and it grew larger and larger, as if ready to give birth. Uchelianged saw this and said, “Let there be a strong running sea.” So the wind began to blow and waves crashed around the clam, causing it to burst open. From it poured swarms of the first sea creatures to swim Palau. They in turn gave birth and the once empty seas were soon teaming with life, from the smallest seaworm to human forms. And with this one dramatic and spectacular beginning, Palau was born.

For more legends regarding Palau, please visit Palau: Paradise of the Pacific

And let’s not forget to help us preserve Palau’s cultural heritage. We need the help! http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/preserve-records-in-palau/

Thanks!!

Project Palau- Week 2

Looking forward to week 2 of our first project fund-raising in Micronesia. Please visit our project page at GlobalGiving and help us preserve their cultural history.

As we continue to collect support for our project at the National Archives of Palau, I thought it appropriate to give more information about this tiny, yet dynamic island nation. The flag of the country is quite striking and the two colors are truly a representation of their culture.

 

The flag of Palau became effective on January 1, 1981, as the country gained its sovereign status. Similar to the Japanese flag,  Palau’s colors are very symbolic in its simplicity. The light blue signifies two meanings. The first is that it depicts the freedom the country has achieved, while the second, naturally, represents the vast Pacific Ocean.

The golden disk in the middle is interesting, as one would think it is an image of the sun. However, it represents a full moon. In Palau many cultural and human activities take place during a full moon such as: celebrations, traditional canoe carving, fishing, sowing, harvesting, etc. Additionally, the full moon is sacred, and is a symbol of peace, love, and tranquility.

Project Palau- Week 1

This is our first week for the GlobalGiving Challenge, and we’re off to a good start. Our goal is to raise $4000 from people 50 people by December 31 for a project that benefits the National Archives of Palau.

Here are some interesting facts about the country:

-Palau is also known as Belau.

- Palau was accidentally discovered by the shipwrecked crew of Captain Henry Wilson when he reached the shores of Ulong in 1783.

-In 1947, USA began administration of Palau, and under the United Nations authority, the islands became a part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

-In 1981, The Republic of Palau came into existence.

-Palau’s currency is the U.S. dollar.

-English, Japanese, Palauan and 3 other local languages are the languages spoken in the country.

-There are between 250 to 300 Floating Garden Islands, known as The Rock Islands. These islands are made up of lime stones and are typically uninhabited.

Please help us continue our good work. Support us at: http://goto.gg/9445

Thank you very much!!