International Council of Archives

 The Calling of a Volunteer Archivist

Based in San Diego, California, Island Culture Archival Support (ICAS) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing voluntary archival help to cultural heritage organizations in the Pacific Islands, especially those that are underfunded and understaffed.

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Although ICAS is now in its fourth year, the formation of the organization did not happen overnight. It was a combination of interests, passions, and turn of events that occurred over the course of a few years. In the early 2000s I went on a volunteer trip to the Cook Islands. While working in assorted libraries throughout Rarotonga I developed a deep interest of Pacific Islands culture. Then, a few years later I embarked on another volunteer mission to the National Library of Vanuatu in Port Vila.

However, it was not until 2006 while on a volunteer mission with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina that a “bolt out of the blue” struck me. Working with a team, our job was to strip houses to the bare wood and salvage the homeowner’s personal material (their personal archives). In one particular house I uncovered colorful Mardi Gras beads and next to them was a mud smeared picture with a palm tree on it- and that is when it clicked. The colorful beads, the palm tree and the salvaging of people’s archives came together flashing the idea in my mind of combining my interest in archival and library work with that of my passion of Pacific Islands’ culture and volunteer work. It was quick and enlightening. Throughout 2007, I drew up plans, and filed the appropriate paperwork. Finally, in early 2008 the “I” became a “We” as a team of Directors and Advisors were brought together to form the organization.

Brandon sitting at his desk

Since the initial trip to the Cook Islands, ICAS has been involved with a number of projects throughout the Pacific. We have supported the National Archives of Solomon Islands, training staff in processing collections, and helping to establish policies. We have also contributed archival supplies. ICAS proudly supports the establishment of the Anglican Church of Melanesia Archives by providing acid-free file folders and other supplies. Organizations in Fiji, Pohnpei and Yap have also benefited from receiving supplies and advice. Additionally, we are involved with Pacific Islands Americans in our community with the goal of helping to promote their cultures. In fact, we are members of the Pacific Islands Festival Association in San Diego that annually hosts one of the largest Pacific Islands festivals in the United States.

Becoming a member of the Pacific Regional Branch International Council on Archives (PARBICA) has also been instrumental in the development of ICAS. I have attended two biennial meetings in Brisbane Australia, 2009 and then in Apia Samoa, 2011. These meetings have given me the opportunity to connect with old colleagues and meet new ones. They have given me insight as to the issues confronting Pacific Islands’ archives. However, by getting together every two years, members can highlight common issues and put forth recommendations and suggestions to combat these concerns.

Getting records ready for the new National Library and Archives in Vanuatu

As we continue to grow the ICAS’ mission, 2012 will be a busy year. The organization will be donating much-needed computers and computer accessories to the National Library and Archives of Tuvalu. In May, I will be in Palau helping to tackle a backlog of unprocessed records at the National Archives of Palau. This will mark our first project undertaken in Micronesian. Later in the year we will continue to support the Cultural Center in Vanuatu as they establish a new National Library and Archives. And finally, we will plan to take on a special undertaking in the National Archives of Solomon Islands.

Brandon at work.

Although the Pacific Islands conjure up idyllic and relaxing images, the environment can be quite challenging. Intense heat, moldy records, insects the size of the palm of my hand, and I never seem to make it through a week without fighting a stomach complication certainly add to the drama and excitement of a project. However, the vivid and fascinating cultures, the friendly people, and the much-needed help always make me want to return, as there is no place on earth where I would rather want to work.

Brandon Oswald, Executive Director, Island Culture Archival Support