Learning to Welcome: Marshallese Cultural Training in Northwest Arkansas

As part of Welcoming Week NWA, EngageNWA hosted a Marshallese Cultural Training event at The Medium, led by Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM). This event highlighted the unique history, values, and contributions of the Marshallese community, which has become an essential part of Northwest Arkansas’s social and cultural fabric.?

Marshallese Community in NWA

The Marshallese community in Northwest Arkansas has a unique story of resilience and cultural preservation. Originally from the Marshall Islands in the Pacific, this community has a complex history marked by colonialism, nuclear testing, and environmental challenges.?

Through the Compact of Free Association (COFA), many Marshallese migrated to the U.S., with a significant population settling in Arkansas. They've become an integral part of the region's social and economic fabric. Many Marshallese work in industries like poultry processing, and Marshallese artistic and cultural contributions to the region are everywhere, from the runway at NWA Fashion Week to Arlynda Jones’s Ocean Wave dance initiative. In 2024, Master Carver Pastor Liton Beasa was recognized by the Arkansas Arts Council as an Arkansas Living Treasure for his dedication to the craft of canoe building, and the Northwest Arkansas community was able to watch him carve a kōrkōr, a traditional Marshallese wooden canoe on the grounds at Crystal Bridges.

Despite their contributions, the Marshallese face numerous challenges in their adopted home. Healthcare access has been a persistent issue, exacerbated by their initial exclusion from federal programs like Medicaid despite the provisions of their unique COFA status. Education and civic representation also remain areas of concern.?

Support and Engage?

There are several ways that residents of Northwest Arkansas and beyond can support the Marshallese community, helping to bridge gaps and foster inclusion. Awareness and education are critical first steps. Many Americans are unaware of the U.S. government's nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands or the unique legal status of Marshallese citizens under COFA. Learning about this history and the ongoing challenges the community faces is essential for meaningful engagement.

At a policy level, advocating for COFA-related reforms that ensure equal access to healthcare and other federal programs is crucial. The restoration of Medicaid rights was a significant victory, but more work is needed to guarantee that Marshallese citizens in the U.S. have the same rights and benefits as other residents. Engaging with local and state representatives to support these policy changes is one way to make a lasting impact.

Supporting local organizations like the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM) can have a direct impact. ACOM provides a range of services, including healthcare advocacy, legal aid, financial education, and? drivers education. Donating, volunteering, and attending events and workshops are all ways to contribute to their mission.

Finally, creating inclusive spaces is essential. ACOM’s Marshallese Cultural Trainings are designed to help workplaces, schools, and community organizations become environments where Marshallese individuals feel respected and valued, and where their unique cultural needs are considered. Whether through language programs, diversity training, or community-building initiatives, small steps can have a big impact on fostering a sense of belonging for the Marshallese and other immigrant communities, and ensuring that Northwest Arkansas continues to be a welcoming place for all.

To learn more, go to ArkansasMarshallese.org and schedule a similar cultural workshop for your team or community group.