New Release

The Lolelaplap (Marshall Islands) in Us:

Sailing West to East (Ralik→Ratak) to These Our Atolls (Aelon Kein Ad) Ad Jolet Jen Anij (Our Inheritance from God)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Indigenous ontologies are often overlooked in favor of Western Discourses. Those who are on the margins cling on to whatever rights they see as valid in attaining a truer sense of self in the intellectual debates comprising the human conscience. This book is but a first attempt in breaking barriers as to what knowledge means to many knowers for we know our own truths living out our own tales. In this light, it is the hope of the author that this book aids understanding in piecing the necessary broken fragments of debate that are too often clouded by institutional racism thus marginalizing indigenous voices in the process. As a mere act of implementation, the basic commentaries herein are intended to initiate readers through example in gaining a greater appreciation of human rights for indigenous peoples ascribed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and further inscribed in the United Nations DECLARATION on the rights of INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (2007).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Desmond Narain Doulatram

Desmond Narain Doulatram obtained his Bachelor in Science in Social Science with an emphasis in Pre-Law from Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU). Subsequently, he worked at the Office of Environmental Planning & Policy Coordination now called the RMI Climate Change Directorate under the Office of the President.

He then worked at Marshall Islands High School under the Ministry of Education before obtaining his Master in Arts Degree in Asia-Pacific Studies with a Social Science and Humanities concentration from the University of San Francisco. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Pacific Studies at the University of the South Pacific (USP).

He has also obtained a Professional Certificate in Online Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Presently, he is employed as a Social Science Instructor and is the Co-Chair at the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) Liberal Arts Department where he teaches and has taught History of the Marshall Islands, Contemporary Social Issues in Micronesia, Issues in Pacific Studies, World History, Introduction to Sociology, Upward Bound Creative Writing and Fundamentals of Speech.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities at CMI, he is and has been a member of the Curriculum Committee which he currently Chairs, Learning Support Committee, Executive Council, Enrollment Management Committee, Institutional Review Board, and Social Justice Taskforce. Additionally, he also serves as a National Board Member for the Marshall Islands Public School System (PSS) representing the interests of Parents, Guardians & Students. He is also a Co-founder to two NGOs being Jo-JiKuM (Jodrikdrik in Jipan ene eo Ekutok Maroro) translated as Youths for a Greener RMI that deals with issues related to environmentalism and REACH-MI (Radiation Exposure Awareness Crusaders for Humanity-Marshall Islands) which deals with the nuclear issue.