Harriet Sheppard

@harrietsheppard.bsky.social

410 Followers 533 Following

Non-Indigenous linguist based in the South Pacific. Oceanic languages. she/her/sie/ella/iya

Language Matters in the Pacific webinar: Archives and archiving for Pacific languages and cultures Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 4.00 – 6.00pm (Fiji Time) Abstract This webinar considers the importance of language and culture archives for the Pacific region. Panellists explain what we can learn from archives about our pasts and how archived materials can be used in contemporary settings to help sustain or reestablish connections to linguistic and cultural heritage. They will touch on practical issues such as accessibility and visibility of archives for the general public; safeguarding and digitisation of data in the face of technological changes; and opportunities for training and skills building for those wanting to work with archives. They will also consider critical questions such as who owns the data that is stored in archives, who gets to decide how ‘open’ data should be, and how sensitive data should be handled. Panellists Ms. Moira Zeta Enetama (MP and Former Director of Tāoga Niue) Mr. Steven Gagau (Cultural Advisor and Metadata Enrichment Specialist, PARADISEC – the Pacific And Regional Archive for Digital Sources in Endangered Cultures) Ms. Vaine-Tutai Parima (Senior Library Assistant and Cook Islands Māori Lecturer, Cook Islands Campus, USP) Mr. Richard Shing (Director, Vanuatu Cultural Centre) Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo (Assistant Professor, California State University) Moderator Dr. Nicholas Halter (Senior Lecturer in History, USP) Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/86891437088?pwd=j2b9O7kRpQ6zWbn4NRgxUYmpZ52yQZ.1 Passcode: ?ZM35d3!w
Language Matters in the Pacific Webinar Sign languages in the Pacific Wednesday 20 May, 4pm-5.30pm Fiji Time Virtual seminar. Hosted by USP Linguistics Abstract: Sign languages and the communities that use them contribute to the linguistic and cultural diversity of the region. However, there are still some common misconceptions about sign languages, as well as issues around access to sign language resources. The webinar brings together a panel of Deaf and hearing experts from across the region who work on a broad range of community-based initiatives and research projects. They will discuss various topics including what support is available for Deaf children, their families and teachers; how Deaf children learn to read; how accessible public services are across the region; and what we know about policies for inclusion across the region. Panellists will also reflect on what we know about sign languages from across the region, what we don’t know and what we need to support this area. Moderator Merelesita Qeleni, Special and inclusive education Panellists Ketia Toakarawa, Kiribati Association of the Deaf Krishneer Sen, Deaf Consultancy Pacific Leniker Thomas, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Vanuatu Deaf Association, Nasonel Saen Lanwis Diksonari Blong Vanuatu (National Sign Language Dictionary for Vanuatu) Lupe Punaivaha, Tonga National Deaf Association Rachel Miles, SIL Global Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/86571162952?pwd=vTdejOse8FMTGKafGNUPvEbBwV5wEF.1 Zoom passcode: HE8#K!Dck
Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/83856004997?pwd=GhHx4qoQ5jMWOjdYnfPiuSwLoyb7DH.1 Zoom passcode: Uu6pGQ*a% Data sovereignty and ethics in the age of AI: language, art and culture Wednesday 8 April, 4pm-5.30pm Fiji Time In the second of our double bill on language technology, we bring together panellists from across the region to discuss data sovereignty and ethics surrounding Pacific language, art and culture in the face of rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI). These issues include who controls what data is provided as input to AI tools and platforms, particularly when data is restricted or culturally sensitive; and how the output from such tools and platforms can be subject to inaccuracy and bias. They also include impacts on the creative industries when artists lose control of their own work or even their livelihoods. Having discussed these challenges, we will ask our panellists to reflect on the extent to which they can be or are already being mitigated from a Pacific-centric standpoint. We will also ask panellists’ views on the way university academics and students should (or shouldn’t) be using AI tools and platforms. Panellists Ms Gillian Dueñas, University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa Prof Jason Edward Lewis, Concordia University Dr Akevai Nicholas, University of Auckland Prof Katerina Teaiwa, Australian National University Moderator Ms Alanieta Lesuma-Fatiaki, Instructional Design, Centre for Flexible Learning, University of the South Pacific
USP Linguistics Language Matters in the Pacific seminar series. Topic: Pacific languages, cultures and new technologies Date/Time: Wednesday 11 March 4pm to 5.30pm Fiji time Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/86831464410?pwd=AJTQi8yn20bxYYXXUtm3aa7cKDVMv6.1 Password: rBWr6#Zv? Panellists 1. Ms Heiura Itae-Tetaa, Founder and CEO, E-Reo 2. Dr Akevai Nicholas, Senior Lecturer Māori and Pacific Studies, University of Auckland 3. Mr Steven Renata, Managing Director, Kiwa Digital 4. Ms Theresa Tupuola-Sorenson, Co-founder, Pacific Kids Learning Abstract The 2026 series of the ‘Language Matters in the Pacific’ webinars begins with a double bill on language technology. In the first webinar, four panellists from across the region will share their experiences of working in this space. The session will begin with a brief demo from each participant of the tool(s) or platform(s) they have developed, before the moderator will lead a talanoa around regional developments in language technology. The discussion will focus on affordances of new technologies in keeping communities connected, supporting the sustainability of Pacific languages, and providing solutions to real-world challenges such as language learning, literacy development, translation, dubbing, speech recognition, dictionary creation and data management. It will centre the need for Pacific-led approaches to language technology that enable communities to participate in this space on their own terms. Panellists will highlight the creation of jobs or entrepreneurial opportunities in this sector, and how this is balanced against more critical concerns about the commercialisation or commodification of language and culture. The session will also touch on issues of data sovereignty, intellectual property and security although these topics will be the main focus of the second webinar.
Day one program. 29 Jan Thurs. Fiji time (Adjust to your timezone). 9-9:30am: Welcome address by Dr Tēvita Ka’ili. 9:30-11:30am: session one: Empire, politics and identity; session 2: Sounding Oceania. 1-3pm: session three: The future of the Oceania Pacific Studies Association; session four: Pasifika engagement at the Australian Museum. 3:30-5:30: session five: Opposing seabed mining in Moana Oceania; session six: Undercurrents of creativity Oceania Pacific Studies Association, est. 2026. Inaugural conference. Jan 2026.
Date/Time: Wednesday 1 October 4.00-6.00pm (Fiji time) Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/81334378027?pwd=b2nvbaWuHxKjtx0rqH0kdRSKfUxx2O.1 Passcode: gZ6*qBVY3 Panellists: Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen (Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, USP) Ms Coral Pasisi (Director of Climate Change and Sustainability, SPC) Mr Eliki Drugunalevu (Technical Editor and Digital Communications Officer, Pacific Ocean and Climate Crisis Assessment (POCCA), USP) Ms Momoyo Scotty (PhD student in Political and International Affairs, USP) Moderator: Ms Lavenie Tawake (Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP) Abstract: At the 6th Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting in Niue (the 24th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting), Ministers reaffirmed the importance of Ocean Literacy, recognising the connections between the ocean, languages, cultures and traditional knowledge. The meeting also recognised the need for a whole-of-government / whole-of-society approach in order to move forward. Our next webinar in the Language Matters in the Pacific series brings together four expert panellists from across the region to discuss this outcome. We ask what does ‘ocean literacy’ mean? How do we connect concerns about oceans with these other concerns about languages, cultures and traditional knowledge? And what practical steps are needed in order to see meaningful action?
Date/Time Wednesday 3 September, 4pm-6pm Fiji time Zoom: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/82801972025?pwd=HDDHtorGyJQVUKJe1KM3Dovk5WZfTp.1 Passcode: &d2vuKUA* Title: Multilingualism and Multiliteracies: Walking the Talk Abstract: In the previous webinar in this series, we heard about the high-level commitments from the Council of Pacific Education Ministers to embed Pacific languages and culture throughout mainstream education across the region. In this webinar, we bring together five panellists who are walking the talk in this space. They work on a range of community-based initiatives that support language revitalisation, multilingual education, mother-tongue-based literacy, and the creation of language resources. Panelists: Heti Veikune (Fellow in Curriculum & Literacy, Institute of Education, USP) Margareth Saumore (Director and Founder, Multilingual and Professional Education Services Association (MAPESA), Solomon Islands) James Uri-Puati (Language Consultant, Cook Islands) Edmund Vurobaravu (Primary Curriculum Coordinator, Vanuatu Curriculum Development Unit) Ikelau Misech (PIDP Research Intern and Palauan Language Consultant at the Department of Linguistics, University of Mānoa) Moderator: Hancy Joy Mahuri (MA Applied Linguistics student, USP)
Date: Wednesday, 13 August 2025, 4.00 – 6.00pm (Fiji Time) Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/83206137598?pwd=w1eCNbSuKD0ftbBqi7RGzsaHuXLwU3.1 Passcode: #EeA33xbS Abstract: At the 2023 meeting of the Council of Pacific Education Ministers in Auckland, the priority outcome agreed was that 'indigenous knowledge, culture and language should be embedded in curriculum development, teacher training programmes and delivery’. Two years later, in Port Moresby, Ministers reaffirmed this commitment by adopting Pacific identity, culture, arts and languages as a standing agenda item for their biennial meetings. This panel brings together experienced educators from across the region who have played significant roles in the work that has led to this point, through their leadership, advocacy, scholarship and collaboration. They reflect on the journey that has led to Ministers taking this stand, and they share their perspectives on what needs to happen next to ensure that this strong vision turns into concrete action. Panellists: • Associate Prof Seu'ula Johansson-Fua (Director Institute of Education and Acting Head of the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education, USP) • Associate Prof Frances Koya-Vaka'uta (Team Leader – Culture for Development, SPC) • Mr Wayne Mendiola (Assistant Secretary, FSM Department of Education and Chair of Pacific Heads of Education, PHES) • Associate Prof Kabini Sanga (School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington) • Ms Birtha Lisimoni Togahai (Former Director, Niue Department of Education) Moderator: Ms Tupou Ratuva Singh (PhD Candidate in Applied Linguistics, USP)
Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/84626453735?pwd=G6NRhbraRmB9Q7R9NaNll75saHPNDK.1 Passcode: %8URmXGVj The International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) affirms the fundamental relationship between Indigenous languages and conservation. Output 7 of the Decade’s Global Action Plan focuses on establishing an “Enabling environment […] for Indigenous languages thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation, climate change adaption and mitigation, ecosystems management, land restoration, improving the marine and coastal environment, reducing natural hazards, preventing pollution and managing water resources.” In Oceania, the planet's most linguistically rich region, languages and cultural diversity are essential to just, effective and lasting conservation. Currently though, with English and French the dominant languages of conservation policy and programming, it is not always clear how an ‘enabling environment’ for the richness and diversity of and within Indigenous languages is being fostered. The panel discussion will explore this question for examples of work taking place in different parts of Oceania. Panellists: Dr Ramari Oliphant Steward (Aotearoa), Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago (Samoa), Ann Singeo (Palau), Salanieta Kitolelei (Fiji) and Captain Aunofo Havea Funaki (Tonga). Moderator: Maca Stephens (USP, Fiji)
Language matters in the Pacific seminar series. The language challenge in global climate frameworks. Zoom link: https://usp-fj.zoom.us/j/84690175781?pwd=aLPxJazD724jstAVlvudeDlUtO8ah8.1 Passcode: F4eW!hG8a Panellists: Ms Coral Pasisi (Director of Climate Change and Sustainability, SPC. Salā Dr. George Carter, Deputy Head of Department of Pacific Affairs and Director of Pacific Institute, ANU. Ms Patricia Mallam (Knowledge Broker, Intra-ACP ClimSA. Mr Siosiua Veikune (Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change). Dr Zina Bird (Research Fellow, Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP). Moderator: Dr Tolu Muliaina (Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP). Abstract: This panel will discuss why language matters in global climate frameworks, especially when ensuring that there is a meaningful connection between global conversations and local realities. In light of annual climate negotiations (COP) and forthcoming advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice on state responsibilities regarding climate change, questions are often raised about what actually happens in these high-level spaces and how sending delegations overseas benefits the communities who are experiencing climate change impacts on the ground. This panel discussion will consider how high-level discourse is intended to translate into action; how minor adjustments to policy wording can have material impacts on the level of ambition and buy-in from different actors; whether some groups are starting on an uneven playing field if international outcomes are negotiated through languages such as English; and how the stories told by and about Pacific communities impact the climate conversations. These questions will be considered by panellists from across the region who have first-hand experience both attending high-level international events and working more locally to engage with their own communities.
Abstract: This panel will discuss the importance of our languages for traditional or indigenous knowledge. This refers to the names and descriptions that we use when talking about our natural resources, historical sites and traditional skills. We need to be aware of these knowledge systems so that we can transmit them to the younger generations for the safeguarding of our future, whether through schooling, or community-based activities, or national and regional strategies. In this seminar we will learn from researchers and practitioners from across the region sharing their experiences and drawing connections between language and knowledge systems. The International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL), 2022-2032, has shone a global spotlight on the role of languages in cultural sustainability, and this panel discussion is an opportunity to reflect on this topic from a Pacific perspective. Link: https://bit.ly/3XS1KOX Passcode: CJ3Avu$vk
Language matters in the Pacific seminar series. How do we embed Pacific languages throughout mainstream education. Wed. 4 Sept. 2024, 4-6pm (Fiji time). Virtual seminar. Hosted by USP linguistics Zoom link: https://usp fj.zoom.us/j/89323389854?pwd=6uHU2cGWblyxDUhvkoli0JWS7dDbz4.1 passcode: @FU#b4qEc Panel: Ms Elaine Lameta, Ms Lanelle Tanangada, Ms Helen Tamtam, Ms Ariteti Botibara, Ms Aiusnlie Chu Ling-So'o. Moderator Ms Heti Veikune. Abstract: At the meeting of the Council of Pacific Education Ministers, the priority outcome agreed was that 'indigenous knowledge, culture and language should be embedded in curriculum development, teacher training programmes and delivery'. This panel discussion brings together experienced educators and policymakers from across the region to discuss what this priority might mean in practice.