Tag Archives: Pacific Islander

Tongan Americans Seek White House Support of Tongan Disaster Relief

Washington, D.C.—Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) released the following statement regarding the volcanic eruption and tsunami in the Kingdom of Tonga on January 15th, 2022. The impact destroyed communications and left many residents in need of aid and relocation. EPIC, its partners, and allies have sent a letter to the White House calling to provide a statement and further humanitarian relief. The full letter can be found here.

The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano and tsunami destroyed homes, schools, churches, businesses, and agriculture. To date, three lives have been claimed. The aftermath has left many residents displaced while volcanic ash has polluted air and freshwater sources, leaving residents at risk of long term health issues. Scientists are racing to understand the once-in-a-century event. There is no question that this event will have lasting global impacts as reverberations were felt as far as Alaska and tsunamis traveled as far as Japan, Chile, and the West Coast of the U.S.

The road to recovery will be a long-term process to rebuild its infrastructure and restore hope in the Tongan people. Food, water, medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and other essential necessities will be a continuous need in the coming months, however this need for aid also leaves the population increasingly vulnerable to COVID-19 exposure.

Partnerships between Tongan women-led community-based organizations, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations have mobilized to provide direct relief through mutual aid with Tongan NGOs. The collective, consisting of Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), Motivating Action Leadership Opportunities (MALO), the Vakatasi Foundation, and the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), has sent a letter to the White House, requesting the Biden administration to release a statement in support of the Tongan American community and commit to providing further aid for Tonga’s relief and recovery.

Launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders

President Biden Announces Intent to Appoint Commissioners to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders DECEMBER 20, 2021

WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden announced his intent to appoint the following leaders as commissioners to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders:

The Commission will advise the President on ways the public, private, and non-profit sectors can work together to advance equity and opportunity for every Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The Commission is also charged with advising the President on policies to address anti-Asian xenophobia and violence, ways to build capacity in AANHPI communities through federal grantmaking and policies to address the intersectional barriers that AANHPI women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities face. The Commission will include civic leaders from across the country and will reflect the rich diversity of AANHPI communities across the United States.

Advancing Justice – AAJC Statement in Response to White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: Washington, D.C. — December 9, 2021 — Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (Advancing Justice | AAJC) responds to the official launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). John C. Yang, Advancing Justice – AAJC president and executive director states: “We are excited to begin working WHIAANHPI to ensure coordination between government agencies, national groups, and community organizations. Advancing Justice – AAJC also applauds the selection of WHIAANHPI’s co-chairs Katherine Tai, the first woman of color to head the Office of U.S. Trade Representative, and Xavier Becerra, a former Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus member and ally to the Asian American community. With longtime Asian American rights champion and civil rights advocate Krystal Ka’ai as the Executive Director, we are confident that WHIAANHPI will fulfill its mission to better serve the AANHPI community.”

NCAPA Coalition Celebrates the Launch of WHIAANHPI: Washington, D.C.—NCAPA issued the following statement after the administration announced the official launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Initiative’s new Co-Chairs Katherine Tai and Xavier Becerra. The Initiative will be housed under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).