PIALA Conference 2024

Exploring Heritage and Strengthening Connections: The Pacific Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums Conference (PIALA) 2024 - GUAM, USA

The Pacific Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums (PIALA) held its highly anticipated annual conference from December 2-6, 2024, in the vibrant and culturally rich island of Guam. The event brought together nearly 100 attendees as delegates from across the Pacific, representing nations and territories such as the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawai‘i, and other northern Pacific countries. Fiji was notably represented by keynote speaker Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo, whose insights set the tone for a week of engaging discussions, learning, and cultural exchange. 

The 33rd Annual PIALA Conference is proudly co-sponsored by the Department of CHamoru Affairs, Guam Museum, Guam Public Library System, Guam Library Association, University of Guam’s Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Library, Guam Cultural Repository, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, and Northern Marianas Library Association. The PIALA Executive Board are also largely to thank for the amazing conference, a job more-than-well-done to: 

This year's PIALA conference was a special one with Vice Speaker of Pohnpei State Legislature Mr. McGarry Miguel, Senator Dendy Liwy & Senator Peterihko Hairens in attendance with their team. 

The Pohnpei Public Library was represented by Head Librarian Mrs. Trueleen J. Albert, Australian Volunteer Mr. Andrew Trigg & Library Technician Ms. Erika E. Billen. 

From left: Mr. Andrew Trigg (PPL Australian Volunteer) as an observer and attendee, Mrs. Trueleen J. Albert (Head Librarian) as part of planning committee for PIALA, & Ms. Erika Billen (Library Technician) as presenter for LAMP.

Day 1: Pre-Conference Exploration

The conference began with a pre-conference tour of Ritidian, immersing attendees in the historical and cultural richness of Guam. Organized in collaboration with the Guam Museum and the Historical Wildlife Refuge staff, this tour included:

• The Pictograph Cave Tour, offering a glimpse into ancient Chamorro art and history through the preserved cave pictographs.

"I was absolutely enjoying myself in that lovely nature walk at the Ritidian Tour. I got to do the Cave tour which explored roughly quarter of a mile of Guam's limestone cliff line that had two historically significant caves (Ritidian Beach Cave & Star Cave). Those caves had ancient CHamorus pictographs. On the way we were shown some of Guam's native flora. On our cave tour we saw a brown tree snake and witnessed it being caught and eliminated since it was an invasive species that were a direct result of the forest having no bird sounds."  - Erika

• The Latte Village Tour, a journey through the iconic stone pillars that define traditional Chamorro architecture and culture.

These activities served as a powerful reminder of the deep historical roots that unite the Pacific region.

Day 2: Opening Ceremony and Keynote Presentation

The official opening ceremony marked the start of the main conference, with over 70 plus attendees converging at the Guam Museum. Delegates were welcomed with warm hospitality, highlighted by a breakfast funded by the museum. The opening ceremony featured:

Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo

• Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo’s Keynote Address, a compelling presentation that captivated attendees with her expertise and passion for the conference’s theme of "Indigenizing Libraries, Archives, and Museums in the Pacific Region." Dr. Vunidilo's moving moto,"Who do we need to indigenize for? It is the people. It is the people. It is the people", was a very moving and lovely way to word the purpose of the movement. 

• Networking opportunities during lunch and breaks, fostering connections among professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Throughout the day, various presentations enriched the program, offering perspectives and insights on preserving and promoting Pacific heritage.

Days 3-5: Presentations and Cultural Exchange

The following days followed a consistent yet dynamic structure:

• Morning Mingling and Breakfast: Delegates gathered each morning to enjoy light breakfast and engage in informal networking sessions.

• Presentation Sessions: Participants shared their work and ideas related to indigenizing and decolonizing practices in libraries, archives, and museums. The presentations reflected the diversity of the Pacific, highlighting innovative projects and challenges faced by institutions across the region. There was also some very heart warming Presentation of the Life Time Award

• Tours: Attendees did a series of tours with day 3 being at the Guam Museum with paintings, sculptures and culturally significant artifacts dating back several decades.

 Day 4 was of the Guam Cultural Repository & UOG Micronesia Area Research Center.

Lastly, Day 5 was Guam Community College Learning Resource Center Tour.

• Cultural Connections: Attendees celebrated shared values and traditions, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation.

Representing the FSM, Ms. Erika E. Billen had compiled and delivered a presentation on behalf of Library, Archives and Museums of Pohnpei etitled "The Importance of Indigenizing the Libraries, Archives and Museums of the Pacific: Kakehlaka tiahk kodoudoudohkan". Ms. Erika highlighted some of the possible steps that FSM aims to move forward in strengthening our cultural institutions by not only engaging the people in the process of establishing the infrastructure, but also the overall decision making process including what to showcase, share and how to make is all culturally respectful. The presentation ended with some photos from the Pohnpei Public Library activities of this year highlighting the ways in which the PPL works to conserve our tradition and culture through the events that are held at the library. 

Day 6: Formal Meeting and Farewell

The final day of the conference began with a formal meeting where:

• Entity reports were presented by attending delegates, showcasing accomplishments and challenges.

• Elections were held for the PIALA Committee, culminating in the election of executive members who will continue to guide the organization.

The evening brought a celebratory close to the conference with a gift exchange and a formal dinner, offering a heartfelt opportunity for delegates to reflect on their shared experiences and deepen their connections.

Post-Conference Adventure: Valley of the Latte

The event concluded with a post-conference tour to the Valley of the Latte. This riverside adventure cruise was a fitting end to a week of exploration and learning, allowing attendees to experience the natural beauty and cultural significance of Guam.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 PIALA Conference was a resounding success, blending academic discourse, cultural appreciation, and professional networking. As participants returned to their respective homes, they carried with them renewed inspiration to continue the critical work of preserving and celebrating the unique heritage of the Pacific Islands. The bonds formed and the knowledge shared will undoubtedly strengthen the efforts to indigenize and innovate within the region’s libraries, archives, and museums.

Here’s to the next chapter of PIALA’s journey—together, stronger, and more connected than ever.

Please feel free to refer to the program agenda for more information!