Navigating Multiple Crises with Alson Kelen

Holding the Fire: Indigenous Voices on the Great Unraveling

Dahr Jamail speaks with Alson Kellen to hear about how his people survived nuclear testing on their home islands, colonialism, imperialism, and how they are now navigating the climate crisis. Alson discusses how he believes traditional values present the best hope for a sustainable future for his people, as well as for all of us.
Alson Kelen, a native of Bikini Atoll, is one of the world’s few masters in the ancient art of wave-piloting. Alson is an authority on traditional ocean canoe construction and navigation, and has done much to perpetuate Marshallese culture and traditional knowledge among the younger generations where he lives.