Written with Love, Pride, and Gratitude

Decade after decade, we (Palau) were oppressed by some of the most powerful nations in the world! The fact that we now, today, at this moment, have the privilege to say we are an independent people says a whole lot about our people! And you know what it says? It says that we are resilient! Our language, our traditions, our values, and even our environment are still very much vibrant and vigorous! Would you look at that! Our little island nation DID THAT! Now would you appreciate that?! Because so many other people, today, are still fighting for their freedom. Think of robust btaches, hundreds of years old. The only way it’s able to stand tall is by the support of its roots. We stand tall because of our roots. Our ancestors embraced and absorbed the bounty of both land and  sea, claimed it to become their own. From this, our ancestors sowed the seeds of our identity— Palauan. Now, it is our duty to pollinate that very seed in the new generations.

Reality check: What is worse than being colonized by foreigners? Experiencing colonization within our own people. How does that even work eh Mayumi? It shouldn’t be a surprise, because we have allowed western ideals to overrun our traditional ideals, and to prevent “overrun” from becoming “overrule”, we should take the initiative to gradually but firmly establish our culture and traditions in the minds of Palau’s children. Workshops where the youth learn how to carve, make tools, or even cook; volunteer opportunities with local businesses and organizations; strengthening Palauan studies in schools; but in the end, it really starts from the home.

Expressing love for our country and people comes in different forms: giving back to the community, serving our people, representing our culture, taking care of our resources, and more. Being away from home, my strongest form of expression has been through my minor in Anthropology — being able to share stories of our culture and history, contributing a unique perspective in class discussions and essays. I’m so grateful for an opportunity to share and showcase the beauty of Palau and at the same time, learn how to preserve and protect our identity.

Is it weird that one of my fave songs is our anthem? We’ve heard it sung solo, by students, by church choirs, and by Palau’s artists. No matter who sings it, it holds true to who and what it represents. For the lionhearted men and women who fought for our independence with thunder and might: you are the champions of decolonization, and I only hope and pray we, your successors, will have just as much and more of brave, unwavering spirits. Because with each Independence Day celebrated, it is also a reminder to continue defending our culture, our land, and our identity.

Thank you to those who reclaimed our land and thank you to those who continue to lift Palau and her people up in the light.