“Working for WAM is win-win-360. While promoting and conserving our precious culture, we’re utilizing it to provide a future for our young people and a sustainable livelihood for our fragile nation.”
Background
Alson, who is a certified counselor, has been involved in the traditional canoeing culture of the Marshall Islands for a number of decades. For four years, he assisted the Waan Aelõñ Kein (These Islands) project to document the step-by-step construction of Marshallese canoes. In the late 1990s, he co-founded the Waan Aelõñ in Majel program, a registered Non-Government Organization.
As well as being the ongoing Director of WAM, Alson has worn many hats over the years, including the following:
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Mayor of Bikini Atoll (November 2009 to 2011)
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Councilman for Bikini Atoll (November 2007 to November 2009)
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Chairman of Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation (2006 to present)
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President, Council of NGOs (2005 to present)
Alson’s many achievements relating to canoes includes writing and compiling the following:
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Traditional Canoe and Canoe Model Building Workbook, English version
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Traditional Canoe and Canoe Model Building Workbook, Marshallese version
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Canoe and Canoe Model Building Manual, English version
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Canoe and Canoe Model Building Manual, Marshallese version