Meet SPIO's Inaugural Community Leadership Scholarship Recipient, Wilbert Alik
Wilbert Alik is the inaugural recipient of the $5,000 USD 2019-20 SPIO Community Leadership Scholarship.
Intended Major: Bachelor of Science in Anthropology
Undergraduate University: Northern Michigan University
Bio: Translating COVID-19 health materials for the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Wilbert is dedicated to community service. The power and strength of a community working together, along with his desire to preserve, protect and pass on the knowledge of his people, gave him motivation to pursue an Anthropology degree. He is majoring in Anthropology with a minor in English.
He is hoping to serve as the country’s first indigenous Field Anthropologist and move projects like the National Register of Historical Sites forward. Wilbert is from the M̗ōkauleej clan, one of several clans in the Marshall Islands. His mother is from Majuro, Arno, and Jaluit atolls and his father is from Ebon. Wilbert was born and raised on the capital atoll, Majuro, but is now pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in Michigan’s chilly Upper Peninsula at Northern Michigan University. The South Pacific Islander’s Organization Community Leadership Scholarship is helping to prepare him for future community service in the RMI. Kom̗m̗ool tata (thank you very much)!
"Ek mouj jab mel̗o̗kl̗o̗k kiln̄e eo kōln̄an" (The parrot fish never forgets its place in the gashes in the coral reef) ~ A Marshallese proverb
Why is it important to have Pacific representation in higher education?
Representation of Pacific Islanders in higher education helps secure social justice and is a way to fight stereotypes. Representation encourages future generations. We need more authoritative voices.
How is this scholarship impacting your education?
The South Pacific Islander’s Organization Community Leadership Scholarship will help in preparing me for future community service in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), especially in cultural preservation and language documentation. I will be able to pay for tuition, books, room and board, and other necessary expenses. Kom̗m̗ool tata (thank you very much)!
What are your career and education goals?
I am currently an undergraduate student at Northern Michigan University (NMU), and I intend to graduate in May 2021. In the long run, I plan to attend graduate school because the Anthropologist and Archaeologist positions under the Republic of the Marshall Islands-Historic Preservation Office (RMI-HPO) require graduate coursework (i.e., Master’s).
I am looking for a program which can offer a graduate assistantship to help fund my coursework. Since the inception of the Historic Preservation Office (HPO), Marshallese have been dependent upon foreign experts to manage our cultural resources and propose policy.
It is important that a Marshallese person who understands the culture and the functioning of the government carry out these responsibilities. Having a Marshallese Anthropologist/ Archaeologist will help ensure the culture is respected. I can help guide domestic archaeological resource management projects involving the community.
Using the methods courses I am currently taking, I can maintain archaeological inventories and records, run analysis of cultural resources and sites, develop cultural resources management policy and implementation plans side-by-side with traditional and governmental leaders.
Any tips to students applying for scholarships?
Find your passion and pursue it!