The Echoes of Oceania

The Echoes of Oceania Book Launch at Mala O Kaluaopalena Community Garden held in October, was a vibrant celebration honoring the cultural heritage and resilience of Micronesian storytelling. Featured that day were two new books written by KKV’s own Innocenta Sound-Kikku: “Mwa Machang” and “Silent Warriors”. 

“Mwa Machang” is a children’s book that pays tribute to the oral traditions deeply rooted in Micronesian culture. Within its pages, the story intertwines English and a blend of Chuukese dialects, paying homage to the richness of Micronesian languages. Notably, the Chuukese language is presented without diacritical marks, allowing fluent Chuukese readers the freedom to pronounce words in their respective dialects, embracing the authenticity of their oral storytelling heritage. It is a poignant example of the region's rich oral storytelling. Passed down to Inno from her grandmother, Mwa Machang embodies the timeless lessons of communication and friendship to its readers. 

“Silent Warriors” illustrates the strength and influence of women in Micronesian societies. “What I understand from my aunties and my grandmothers, all of them talk about the characters of the women. The roles and responsibilities of the men and the women. And yet none of them realize their potential. None of them really know what it means to rise up from where they were at,” says Inno. “It begins with the talking story. And reminding each other, what is our responsibility? Who are we in our community or in our families? All the virtues and characteristics of women are really what they need to remember.” 

Often misunderstood due to misconceptions about their silence, Micronesian women's quietude is a testament to their implicit strength, deeply rooted in their culture's matrilineal and matriarchal traditions. Through nurturing and nature, Micronesian women wield significant influence as the primary caretakers of children. Their pivotal role in passing down language, culture, and identity is paramount, forming the backbone of lineage and kinship. This book serves as a moving reminder that a woman’s mere presence holds immense power and speaks volumes, echoing across generations. 

Both books feature captivating illustrations by artist Lissette Yamase whose works breathe life into the essence of Micronesian storytelling and weave a visual tapestry that bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary wisdom. 

Addressing the lack of children’s books in our public and school libraries that uplift Micronesian culture, these books and the Echoes of Oceania Book Launch were made possible by the generous support of the Hawaiʻi Council for Humanities and the National Endowment of the Humanities.   

To purchase a copy of “Silent Warriors” and “Mwa Machang”, visit www.besspress.com.