The Consulate for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) officially opened their new office in Portland, Oregon serving more than 10,000, the largest population of Micronesians, living in the United States. The Consulate is considered the Federated States of Micronesia, as would the U.S. embassy in the FSM be considered the United States. The event was a beautiful celebration bringing some of that “island magic” as President Panuelo said to the formal occasion. There was indeed a very fortuitous reprieve from the rain with warm sunshine all weekend.
Those attending the ribbon cutting ceremony were able to tour the property. The largest diplomatic structure in the Federated States of Micronesia, the FSM Consulate is even larger than the home offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Palikir. There was a large reception area, several staff offices, a board room for official meetings, and large multi-purpose areas. The building is decorated by handicrafts, cultural displays, and impressive artwork by Micronesian artists. A beautiful multi-tiered cake with seashells, island flowers, and the emblems of the island state flags was made by Sweet Stuff PDX. The colorful oil paintings by Nelyn Phillip were complimented nicely by the charcoal portraits of Micronesians in traditional clothing and charcoal scenes from Micronesian folktales created by Lisette Yamase and Yvonne Neth. The description for “The Creation of Heaven” tells us that the name Kosrae means Heaven (kosra) here (e).
Portland Native Community Advocate, and Alaskan Native, Renea Perry, opening the events with a land acknowledgement, extended a sincere and familial welcome to the people of Micronesia who now call Portland and Oregon their home. Mayor Ted Wheeler also expressed appreciation from the City of Portland for the Micronesian community in the Pacific Northwest saying that Micronesians have enriched the lives and livelihoods of their neighbors. While climate change continues to be an existential threat in Micronesia, climate adaptation is also necessary in the United States. Portland’s Climate Action Plan aims to reduce climate emissions by 80% by 2050.
The Consul General for the Marshall Islands, Eldon Alik, was also among the honored guests in attendance visiting from Arkansas. For him, this was like coming home with his son and daughter also visiting from nearby areas for the event. More than 3,000 Marshallese people live in the cities and towns around Portland, including Salem, OR to the south and Auburn, WA to the north. Chikin Melele spoke with Kathleen Jonathan, Marshallese Outreach Enrollment Specialist for the COFA Alliance National Network. She said she moved first to Hawaii and then Oregon more than 20 years ago. At first she found it cold and gloomy, but now even though her children have grown and moved to California, she is happy to call Oregon home.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony held Saturday April 23rd, 2022 was officiated by President David W. Panuelo and First Lady Patricia E. Edwin; FSM Ambassador Akilino H. Susaia and Mrs. Susaia; and FSM Consul General Joe Enlet and Mrs. Enlet. “The actions we take today are our Nation’s prosperity tomorrow,” President Panuelo said, “And today’s action of opening this Consulate Office here in Portland will help the prosperity and growth of our citizens who call the City of Portland their second home.” Following the remarks of President Panuelo, Consul General Joe Enlet and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, the audience enjoyed songs and dances by community and student groups and refreshments including roast pork, sashimi and bananas in coconut cream. Not to make comparisons, but the Kosrae group made a large impression with their matching red shirts. And, the young boys who had performed a dance with sticks watched in awe as the group from Kuttu, Chuuk performed their martial dance. A family friendly gathering, CANN was also present distributing COVID-19 rapid tests.
The FSM Consulate General in Portland can be reached by email at [email protected], by telephone at +1 (503) 483-7149, or visited in person at 2625 SE 98th Avenue, Portland Oregon 97266.