Rick Feinberg (Professor Emeriti, Anthropology), presented "How Anthropological Research in Polynesia Morphed into Community Engagement " at the Association of Senior Anthropologists "Thursday Chat", an online presentation, on October 13, 2022.
Per Feinberg, "Since my doctoral fieldwork in 1972 – 73, I have been connected to Anuta, a remote Polynesian community in the Solomon Islands. Over that time, I’ve studied topics that range from language and kinship to navigation and voyaging. I discuss how I became connected to Anuta (following a suggestion by Sir Raymond Firth), how the topics I’ve explored are tied together, and my development of a lasting personal connection to the island and its people. That connection has led to my son being installed as a ‘chief’ and my establishment of a small fund to aid young Anutans who must travel overseas to continue their education beyond sixth grade. Administration of the fund, in turn, has led to a surprising—often exasperating; sometimes amusing—set of further adventures."
To view the presentation (which will be published at a later date), visit the Association of Senior Anthropologists "Thursday Chat" archives.