In Filipino culture, family is arguably the most important and emphasized value. When Filipino parents or elders require care, it is customary in the Filipino culture to assume the role of a caretaker, often times until they pass. However, this traditional family structure and system of care can be compromised when practiced in the United States. Since 1990, the Philippines has been consistently among the top five countries of origin, accounting for 4.5% of the 41.3 million total immigrant population in the United States. As of the 2010 Census, Washington is home to the fifth largest Filipino American population of any single state in the nation, with an estimated 137,083 Filipinos in the region. Among this large Filipino immigrant and Filipino American population, a high proportion are nurses and health care workers. Despite the large population of immigrant Filipinos in the U.S., many elders experience isolation, acculturation stress and depression due to the cultural disconnection and shift of family structure. Considering the high volume of Filipino elders and health care workers, it is important to investigate the relationship between Filipino elders and health care workers. Cultural concordance plays a large role in developing trust and allowing for effective health treatment. Through the qualitative methods of interviews, participant observation and spatial analysis, I have explored the different elements of health and wellness that effect Filipino elders. I delved into the experiences of Filipino elders who are cared for by their families as well as those who receive end-of-life care. More generally, I aim to identify the key aspects of holistic health among elderly Filipinos through their communal involvement and wellbeing. Through this research, I aim to emphasize the importance of cultural relationality and concordance in health care and in the broader community for Filipino elders in Seattle.

How has colonization affected Samoan culinary traditions, identity, and health? What is the process of reclaiming culture, health, and identity through food sovereignty for Samoan communities in the United States (King County)? For centuries, the effects of Western colonialism in the Pacific has left scars on both indigenous lands and the wellbeing of indigenous peoples. What once was a sustainable food system has transformed to a system reliant on commodified and imported foods. I argue that a shift in diet from a traditional to Western contribute to a high prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses among the Samoan population. This study critically examines Samoan food practices, colonial history in the South Pacific, and current health challenges for Samoan communities. Methods of research include oral and written interviews by Samoan students and community members, discourse analysis, and participant-observation. The aim of this project is to inform the general public of the importance of revitalizing and sustaining indigenous food traditions for the health and overall well-being of our indigenous communities.

How do current U.S. Government healthcare policies affect Micronesians? As legal "aliens," indicated in the Compact of Free Association (COFA), what challenges do Micronesians experience while navigating the healthcare system in Washington State? Our research demonstrates that for 30 years Micronesian families migrating to the U.S. in search of beneficial opportunities experience great amount of difficulty when accessing healthcare in Washington State. Current U.S. policies towards migrants from the Freely Associated States perpetuate Dr. Paul Farmer's theory of structural violence by failing to acknowledge the United States Government's role in the healthcare burdens residing in the bodies of COFA citizens, due to U.S. colonialism within the region. Preliminary results indicate that different subgroups have distinct experiences in comparison to others. Methods of research include interviews with Micronesian students and community members, specifically from March 1st, 2016, A Day of Remembrance --solidarity event with the Marshallese community at the Burke Museum on the anniversary of the largest nuclear weapon ever tested by the U.S. Government.