COMING TO THE MAT is a production of Melanesian Women Today, an organization aimed at telling the stories of courageous,ordinary Pacific Island women from all across the South Pacific (Melanesia, Polynesia & Micronesia and around the globe).
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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…
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…
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…
This episode introduces a new segment in our Coming to the Mat series, 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…
This year’s Human Rights Day theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” calls for urgent and collective action to address global human rights challenges. In this deeply moving episode of Coming to the Mat, we are honored to welcome Koteka Wenda—storyteller, cultural performer, and spokesperson for the Free West Papua Campaign. This conversation is raw and unfiltered, diving into the heart of…
In this episode of Coming to the Mat , we’re excited to share with you the inspiring journey of Julie Qilabasa Alakalia , a Health Information System professional from the Solomon Islands. Julie, who works with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, has accomplished so much in her field. But behind the achievements is a story of self-doubt and the courage to step into…
This episode of Coming to the Mat with Dr. Mere Tari Sovick features Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu's Special Envoy for Climate Change and Environment, a leading advocate for small island nations in the global climate movement. Recorded during Ralph’s transit back to Vanuatu from the Netherlands via Brisbane, the conversation highlights the urgent need for climate action in the Pacific. Ralph and Dr.…
In this episode of COMING TO THE MAT WITH Dr. MERE TARI SOVICK, we explore Vanuatu’s exceptional achievement of securing the number one spot on the Happy Planet Index (HPI) for the second time. This significant milestone, celebrated widely in Vanuatu and internationally, underscores the country's commitment to sustainable well-being and environmental stewardship. We delve into the details of…
In this episode of COMING TO THE MAT, hosted by Dr. Mere Tari Sovick, we spotlight Ms. Lydia Garae, a pioneering Ni-Vanuatu student in the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program at Saginaw Valley State University, Michigan. Our podcast celebrates Pasifika women making impactful changes, and Lydia’s journey exemplifies this spirit. Lydia shares her experiences, from tackling language barriers and…
Welcome to 'COMING TO THE MAT,' on Pacific Diaspora in the Spotlight, where we dive deep into the lives and stories of Pacific islanders making waves in the diaspora. In today's episode for 2024, we're honored to explore the fascinating world of psychology with Gabrielle Tor, a compassionate student counselor on her journey to a Masters in Applied Clinical Psychology at Pacific University in the…
