Marshallese Education Initiative hosts Nuclear Legacy Week, addressing the lasting impacts of nuclear activities - 4029tv

Marshallese Education Initiative hosts Nuclear Legacy Week, addressing the lasting impacts of nuclear activities

Marshallese Education Initiative hosts Nuclear Legacy Week, addressing the lasting impacts of nuclear explosions

Nuclear Legacy Week is an initiative bringing together communities across the globe affected by nuclear weapons and testing

An initiative to address the lasting impacts of nuclear activities on families in Northwest Arkansas is underway.

The Marshallese Education Initiative is hosting "Nuclear Legacy Week 2024." It brings together communities affected by weapons and testing.

U.S. nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands rendered some of the islands uninhabitable and caused widespread health problems. In 1986, the U.S. signed a compact allowing Marshallese citizens to live, work and study in the U.S. without a visa.

Nuclear Legacy Week stems from the Marshallese community’s annual gathering for Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day. While it's normally commemorated on one day, March 1st, the community will now spend the entire week paying tribute.

All week long, members of the Marshallese community will gather with other families from across the globe who have also been impacted by nuclear weapons, testing, and waste storage.

“To stand in solidarity with all of the victims and survivors from all these different communities, whether it be the Marshall Islands, Japan, Kazakhstan, Algeria and other places that have been impacted by nuclear weapons development,” said Benetick Kabua Maddison, the executive director for the Marshallese Education Initiative.

Organizers say it’s an opportunity to share stories and experiences as well as address the ongoing biological, ecological and cultural effects left on nuclear families.

“In the Marshall Islands, we are still dealing with nuclear waste. And, of course, the health issues that are ongoing and will impact future generations to come,” said Maddison. “It’s an opportunity to come together, creating allies. Creating sympathy and empathy for not just for the Marshallese, but for all of these populations that are impacted.”

Throughout the week, panels on health, culture, environment and treaties will be held. All events are free and open to the public.

You can find a complete list of events and times here.