NieiRek: The Power of Collective Vision

*Front: Marlene; Back: Mama “Inno” Innocenta Sound Kikku*
*Marlene and Mama Inno prepare the embroidery supplies for the evening’s discussion.*

“Little girls with big dreams become women of vision.” - Michelle Obama

The name of KKV’s program is derived from the Chuukese phrase niei rek which means, “women of vision.” Tapping directly into the power of visionary women, NieiRek gathers diverse groups of Micronesian women weekly to uphold their collective vision of a better future for the Micronesian community here in Hawaii.

The program began in 2015, when KKV’s Innocenta Sound-Kikuu assembled a group of Micronesian women pastors to discuss solutions to the growing fear that their kids would grow up not knowing their culture or where they come from. The pastors helped build momentum by bringing more women from their congregations. Together they created KKV’s Pacific Voices youth program to teach Micronesian cultural arts. Thereafter the women realized the power in their ability to collectively envision, organize, and mobilize, and formally created NieiRek. Together, the visionaries of NieiRek now work together to support the Micronesian community through access to language services, healthcare, affordable housing, and public health awareness.

*Front L-R : Jayleen, Mama Rieko; Middle: Innocenta; Back L-R: Aunty Angelika, Marlene*
*A small group of NieiRek women from one of the Chuukese women chapters. At 89 years old, Mama Rieko is NieiRek’s eldest member.*

*Aunty Angelika honing her embroidery skills. NieiRek women engage in different types of handicrafts to “bring back the trades so they are not lost.”*

NieiRek is compromised of women ages 16 and older. In weekly gatherings, the women share stories and problem solve while engaging in crafts such as sewing, embroidery, and weaving. The program is constantly growing in membership and currently includes women from Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, and the Marshall Islands. A core group of eight women leaders have organized their own chapters, which consist of over 20 members each. For women who have newly migrated to Hawaii, this space also provides a connection to a solid support system to help navigate their new home.

NieiRek program founder and director Innocenta Sound-Kikku, fondly referred to as “Mama Inno”, is a community navigator, writer, actor, and staunch advocate for Hawaii’s Micronesian community. She is a co-founder of the Micronesian Health Advisory Coaltion, and co-founder / co-convener of the Micronesian Minister’s Uut. She received the 2021 Pewa award from the Partners in Development Foundation recognizing her decades-long community advocacy efforts here in Hawaii.