The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation (MISF) was honored to attend the 9th annual edition of Camp Iakwe, a one-weekend summer camp in Collegeville, Minnesota providing an experience of a lifetime for adopted Marshallese children in the United States.
According to the official Camp Iakwe website, the camp’s goal is clear, “to foster heritage, confidence and pride in our children by providing education of Marshallese culture, customs, and traditions. To provide key tools to families to support and incorporate Marshallese culture into their daily lives. To establish a philanthropic event during camp that provides aid directly to the people of RMI.”
Camp Iakwe has been a needle mover in embracing Marshallese culture in the United States. Children and their parents from over 18 states across the US attended the event and it was by all measures a success.
Throughout the action packed weekend, traditional dancing, singing, and other various events are conducted, all embracing Marshallese culture. Top Marshallese leaders joined to speak and share information about the great culture that makes up the Republic of Marshall Islands.
For the kids, it’s a once in a lifetime experience to be a part of the culture from which they are from. These kids have a chance to obtain a deeper understanding of the Marshall Islands and feel an increased sense of national pride. All of this combines for invaluable information gained and amazing memories forged throughout the weekend.
Em Miller, a Marshall Islands Women’s National Team member and head of social media, stated, “It was really an honor to be able to attend and lead. As a Marshallese adopted person that doesn’t have other Marshallese communities around me, it was a super emotional and special experience.”
Miller attended the event alongside 2 more individuals from the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation, Estera Kanono and Katie Smith. The group had the opportunity to both experience the event in addition to leading a soccer training session that promoted the MISF.
“The soccer training sessions we ran with the kids were fun and impactful, we even found a couple of players that we can keep our eye on as they grow and develop. My personal favorite was being able to share my experience and explain the federation goals to the parents. I’m not much of a public speaker, but they showed a lot of interest and support in their questions and inquiries. It was great to build those relationships and hopefully continue them in years to come,” said Miller.
Katie Smith, head coach of the Women’s National Team, came away from the weekend with so much more appreciation for the Marshall Islands culture.
“The ability to be a part of Camp Iakwe was an extremely special experience. The Marshallese people are welcoming, kind, and resilient in all that they do. I truly saw what it means to have a community of people who uplift, support, and love one another in the most authentic way. Sitting in a room full of people who have overcome so much while maintaining their joy and faith was an empowering moment. I am so grateful for this camp and all of the people who make it happen each year. We look forward to continuing to partner with Camp Iakwe in the years to come,” stated Smith.
Smith graduated from Freed-Hardeman University in 2023 and is one of the United States’ fastest rising coaches. Smith already holds her USSF C License and was named to the United Soccer Coaches 30 under 30 Class of 2023-2024. Smith is an integral part of the effort to build the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation from scratch.
Camp Iakwe serves as the bridge between two cultures that don’t connect too often. As the Marshall Islands are only around one-fifth the size of the United States’ smallest state, Rhode Island, the organic Marshallese culture is often forgotten and Americanized for kids adopted from the Islands.
Estera Kanono, a member of the Women’s National Team, is proud of the fact the Camp was able to provide these kids with an experience that they would’ve otherwise never received.
“I’m very proud to know the kids of the future Marshallese community are getting connected with their roots through their families dedication, commitment, inspiration, and love for the culture and the community,” said Kanono.
Miller, Smith, and Kanono all played small but integral roles in the incredible weekend that was Camp Iakwe. Although a top goal was to teach adopted Marshallese kids about the sport of soccer and what MISF have done to grow the game, it was by no means the number one goal.
That goal belongs to the idea of fostering a relationship between the kids and their native land, the Marshall Islands. Since the history of the Islands are not taught in school books or widely publicized in any form of American media, Camp Iakwe’s goal of fostering heritage and pride in Marshallese culture has an ever growing sense of importance.
“We were thrilled to have MISF join us at Camp Iakwe. Since our curriculum this year was built around key RMI current events, having MISF in attendance felt like a natural fit. Em, Estera, and Katie were outstanding at showcasing firsthand the mission behind the Federation’s program; both through presenting during our classroom curriculum with parents, and during hands-on soccer clinics with the kids. Their engaging personalities, athletic talent, and cultural commitment were noticed immediately. All three women connected with kids of all soccer abilities, engaged with all of our important Camp Iakwe traditions, and continued an incredible MISF partnership formed with our organization this year.”
Kate Gjerstad Howd, Camp Iakwe Co-Founder
The MISF are honored to have been members of Camp Iakwe and are excited for what next year will bring! Perhaps a future National Team player will be in attendance.
MISF attending these events is all thanks to the fundraising and the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and any anybody who has bought our merchandise.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chris Dailey is an 18 year old American from Wall Twp, NJ. Dailey owns sports media company, The Sports Court, and has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports including Shaquille O’Neill. Dailey has a fascination for smaller FIFA nations and can’t wait to watch the story of the Marshall Islands unfold.
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