Our Aunties

Since the fellowship's inception, we have welcomed feedback to enhance our support for Pacific women. It has become clear that to honor the multifaceted identities and experiences of Pacific people, the Sue Taei Ocean Fellowship must be more intentional and inclusive in its selection process. By embracing the diversity and expanse of the Pacific, we aim to better reflect the unique voices and perspectives of each sub-region: Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.

Pacific peoples are interconnected sharing values for our way of living. However, the Pacific is also vast and complex - in distance, culture, environments and needs.

Enhancing Our Selection Process

To ensure the Sue Taei Ocean Fellowship truly reflects the diversity of the Pacific, we are reimagining our selection process to align more closely with Pacific values. Feedback gathered through talanoa sessions highlighted the need for a more inclusive and culturally grounded approach.

In response, we are developing a network of "Aunties" in each sub-region—Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia—who will play a pivotal role in nominating outstanding women to represent their communities. This method empowers each region to identify its unique priorities and select a Fellow who embodies its values. This approach will also foster a mentorship community to support Fellows in planning and executing their projects.

Our commitment to this transition begins with collaboration. We are working closely with Micronesian leaders to nominate a Fellow for 2025, ensuring the process respects and serves the community. Guided by Pacific values, we approach this endeavour with humility and a focus on service, recognising the importance of supporting rather than burdening communities.

The first phase of this initiative is underway, with ongoing discussions and alignment with Micronesian leaders to lay the foundation for a more inclusive and meaningful Fellowship. If you are interested in becoming an ‘aunty’ for your sub-region please get in touch below.