(PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 2, 2003) - Phoenix College instructor, Hershman John, was one of 25 grant applicants chosen to attend The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Institute in Honolulu, HI "Re-imagining Indigenous Cultures: The Pacific Islands." John, a faculty member in the English department, returned from his summer journey with a newfound knowledge of Pacific Island cultures to share with his students and colleagues.

This particular institution caught John’s eye not because of its tropical location, but because of his desire to learn more about many indigenous cultures. Polynesian, Micronesian and Melanesian were the three main cultures studied by grant recipients. Through this institution, John learned how these cultures survived and how they are gathering their voice and rebuilding what was taken away from them.

"I had never been able to study that area before and only knew what I saw on television and in the movies, which is not what these cultures are about," said John. "America and the rest of the world romanticizes Pacific Island cultures through film and tourism. What we don’t see on TV is that they have their own problems and struggles, just like the American Indians or any other person."

Immersion into Pacific Island cultural study for five weeks taught John many valuable lessons that will reflect in his course teachings this semester. Students participating in his American Indian studies courses will learn that indigenous Pacific Islanders are not unlike American Indians; their oppression was the same and their native lifestyle was disrupted through colonization. He wants his students to understand the significance of colonization and the effects it has on the original inhabitants of colonized areas. From this experience, he learned that indigenous tribes are starting to unite together and piece together the puzzle of their past.

Aside from lectures and readings, the institution included various outings around Ouahu, Hawaii. They saw treasured artifacts at the Bishop Museum and observed traditions such as coconut cutting, hula dancing, Tahitian dancing and Maoria of New Zealand performing traditional war dances at the Polynesian Cultural Center. A favorite activity of John’s was viewing films created by indigenous Pacific Islanders that are impossible to see here, for example Velvet Dreams and Wendt’s Fly Fox in a Freedom Tree.

"The indigenous tribes of the Pacific Islands are starting to regain their identity, which is a great thing to see," said John. "They are doing this through outlets such as fiction, poetry, movies and dances."

John is eager to apply for another NEH grant and encourages others to do the same. Through the NEH Institute, John made invaluable contacts throughout the country, as well as life-long friendships.

"Geoff White, director of the program, was an amazing host," said John. "He was so detailed with events that it felt like home as we were welcomed with the traditional flower leis."

As an independent grant-making agency of the United States government, the NEH is dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation and public programs in the humanities. Instructors of higher education students are among those eligible for NEH grants, and a summary of seminars and institutions can be found on the NEH website, www.neh.fed.us/.

"Put your application in and see what happens," said John. "You can spend another summer in Arizona or you may get lucky and spend July in Hawaii researching and studying something you find interesting. Which one would you pick?"

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