3/4 Jetnil-Kijiner

Overview

The presentation explores Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner's work, focusing on themes of poetry, environmental justice, traditional ecological knowledge, and colonial history.

Key Themes and Concepts

1. Genre

   • The work falls under Spoken-Word Poetry.

   • It incorporates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).

   • It aligns with Ecofeminism, connecting women’s struggles with environmental concerns.

   • It highlights Environmental Health, particularly in relation to nuclear testing and climate change.

2. Going Nuclear in Three Genres

   • Explores nuclear issues through Non-Fiction, Poetry, and Fiction.

   • Demonstrates how different genres contribute to understanding the impact of nuclear testing on the Marshall Islands.

Iep Jāltok (Title and Structure)

The poetry collection is divided into four main sections, each addressing a different aspect of Marshallese identity and struggle.

Section 1: Indigenous Beliefs

• Title Meaning: "Iep Jāltok" translates to "A basket whose opening is facing the speaker."

  • Luther standing bear walking tonka’ s saying we do not generally understand

  • Basket is woven together of different materials and open to look in

    • Woven highlights intersectionality of her identity she is mixed race

• Connection to Tradition:

  • Represents cultural heritage, storytelling, and ancestral knowledge.

  • Emphasizes Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)—how Marshallese people have studied the land and ocean for thousands of years.

Key Quote:
"Our people studied the land for thousands of years to understand it."

Section 2: Colonization and Nuclear Testing

• "History Project" (poem title): Focuses on the effects of colonization and nuclear testing.

• The U.S. conducted nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands (1946–1958), leaving lasting environmental and health consequences.

• Themes:

  • Human Health & the Environment → Radiation exposure, displacement, long-term illnesses.

  • Loss of Ancestral Lands → Many Marshallese people had to leave their homes due to contamination.

  • Historical Erasure → The suffering of the Marshallese people is often overlooked in mainstream history.

Key Quote:
"Show them where it is on a map . . ." (64)

• Reflects geographical invisibility—many people do not know where the Marshall Islands are, symbolizing how colonial histories are ignored.

Section 3: Immigration to the U.S.

• Examines the experiences of Marshallese people who immigrated to the U.S.

• Reasons for migration:

  • Environmental destruction (rising sea levels, radiation exposure).

  • Economic challenges (limited opportunities in the Marshall Islands).

  • Healthcare needs (many seek medical treatment for radiation-related illnesses).

• Challenges faced in the U.S.:

  • Cultural displacement → Struggles to maintain Marshallese identity in a foreign land.

  • Racism and economic hardships → Limited access to jobs, housing, and healthcare.

Section 4: Climate Change

• The Marshall Islands are among the most vulnerable nations to climate change due to rising sea levels.

• Environmental injustice → The people least responsible for climate change suffer the most from its effects.

• Poetry as activism:

  • Jetnil-Kijiner uses poetry to advocate for climate action and global awareness.

  • Calls on world leaders to recognize the human impact of climate change beyond just economic discussions.

Key Takeaways

• Intersectionality: The collection links colonial history, environmental destruction, and cultural identity.

• Poetry as Resistance: Jetnil-Kijiner’s work serves as a tool for activism, education, and historical remembrance.

• Global Responsibility: The themes encourage audiences to recognize and address historical injustices against Pacific Islanders.