Cultural Exchange and Mutual Learning: Both Native Pacific Islanders and Native Americans have rich, diverse cultures and histories, and there is potential for shared learning and exchange. This will lead to a deeper understanding and respect for each other’s cultures, traditions, and practices, which could fuel collaborative strategies for community development.

Sharing Best Practices: Each group has unique experiences and strategies for dealing with their specific challenges and opportunities. By collaborating, they can share these best practices and adopt what works best in their own communities. For instance, both groups have long traditions of sustainable land and sea resource management which can be mutually beneficial.

Strength in Numbers: Collaboration can result in an increase in collective bargaining power when negotiating with federal and state governments for resources, land rights, and cultural preservation. Joint efforts may amplify their voices and provide a more substantial platform for advocacy.

Diversified Funding Opportunities: Collaborative projects can attract funding from a broader range of sources. Organizations often prioritize initiatives that demonstrate broad impact and cooperation among diverse groups. Joint efforts between Native Pacific Islanders and Native Americans could open doors to additional grants, public funding, and private donations.

Resilience and Adaptation: Both groups have faced and continue to confront challenges related to climate change, economic pressures, and cultural preservation. By working together, they can build resilient communities and learn from each other’s adaptations. For instance, Pacific Islanders have extensive experience with sea-level rise and extreme weather events, while Native Americans have strategies for dealing with desertification and water scarcity. These shared learnings can be invaluable in building resilient communities.