Polynesian parents to discuss youth education

SALT LAKE CITY — The children of Pacific Islanders living in Utah are at greater risk for smoking, drug use and drinking, despite coming from cultures with profoundly strong family ties.

Tonight, Polynesian parents can gather culturally appropriate and proven strategies to address these and other issues affecting their children and families at "Navigating the Future," a conference scheduled from 5:30 to 10 at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, 15 E. South Temple.

The forum will address education for Pacific Islander youth, said Phil Uipi, a conference organizer who was the first Tongan to serve in the Utah House of Representatives and who now works as a real-estate broker at a law firm in Salt Lake.

"The focus should be getting an education," Uipi said. "Once they get an education, they can understand the value of their culture and function better in society."

Mark H. Willes, president and chief executive officer of Deseret Management Corp., will open the conference. After his remarks during a light dinner, participants will go to separate sessions on health, education, finance and parenting.

Vai Sikahema, former BYU and NFL star and current sports director for the NBC affiliate in Philadelphia, will give the keynote address.

Sikahema was the first Tongan to play in the NFL and will offer insight into the Pacific Islander culture and how to preserve it in the youth.

"It's one of those things you can't escape," said Hema Katoa, a social worker and advocate for the Pacific Islander community. "There's still that Tongan part we have to identify with. We can't wash the color of our skin off. For that matter, it's a Pacific Islander's identity, if they don't show it, that worries me."

Ben Au, the chairman of the Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce, said the Polynesian community has a special niche in Utah. He said the chamber focuses on helping Pacific Islander youth find their identity and reach their academic goals.

"Basically, the chamber is kind of focused on helping youth to become business people, business owners," Au said. "And one of our goals is to help in their educational pursuits so they can become business owners. We're not just focused on jobs they get through college but also trades people."

For more information, those interested can call (801) 691-2500, email utpievent@gmail.com or register online at navigatingthefuture.rsvpbook.com.

Contributing: Marjorie Cortez

email: sgambles@desnews.com