Listen to firsthand commentary of the events celebrating COFA Day in Marshallese. Kommool ñan Utah Marshallese community leader, Cassidy Matthew, kōn meḷeḷein.

Today, February 27, 2026, leaders and people from the FSM, RMI and Palau gathered at the Utah State Capital for COFA Day, coinciding with Asian American Native, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Utah State Senator Karen Kwan recognized the contributions of COFA states’ community members, including those from Mana Academy, ambassadors from each Freely Associated State, FSM and RMI Consul Generals, and representatives from CANN. Senator Kwan acknowledged the social, cultural, and economic enrichment these communities bring to Utah, emphasizing their service in hospitals, classrooms, businesses, and the military. The state of Utah affirms its commitment to protecting, including, and respecting the rights and presence of COFA citizens under federal law.

Senator Karen Kwan said:

“We have guests from all of the communities within the COFA states. I think Mana Academy, which is a public charter school, is also in here. That is an academy where they develop scholars who are rooted in their native cultures and are preparing them to be future leaders. Mana Academy, if it’s not the most successful school in Utah, it’s probably up there. It has done very well. …We have a lot of people here celebrating our very first COFA Day. It also happens to be Asian American Native, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Days.

The Compact of Free Association, or COFA, consists of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. The Compact formally ended US Trusteeship in the Pacific and established these nations as sovereign partners. But this citation is not only about the history, it’s about the people, as you see here. It’s about the families in Utah who lawfully reside here under COFA agreements. They work in our hospitals, they serve in our classrooms. Strengthen our small businesses and proudly wear the uniform of the United States armed forces. Utah has been enriched socially, culturally and economically by members of COFA communities. Their service, resilience and commitment reflects the very best of what partnership between nations can look like.

This citation affirms something simple but important, that Utah recognizes the rights afforded to COFA citizens under federal law, and that we value their presence, their labor and the leadership of our state. As we acknowledge this enduring partnership between the United States and these Pacific Islander nations, may we also commit ourselves to protection, inclusion and respect for the Islander communities who call Utah home.”

Later in the day, the three ambassadors spoke as well as students from Mana Academy. Everyone in attendance also enjoyed the student performance, food and other communal singing and prayers. It was a wonderful turn out. Much thanks is due to Consul Generals Dominic Maluchmai and Eldon Alik (RMI) for organizing the celebrations and the day’s events.

Ambassador Kyota, from Palau expressed pride in the large presence of COFA countries, highlighting the significant numbers from Palau, FSM, and RMI. He emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural identity, particularly the native language, to preserve traditions. The ambassador encouraged the community to engage with their embassies for support and acknowledged the warm reception from Utah legislators. He concluded by urging the community to remember their roots and to cherish their cultural heritage.

Ambassador Soram, from the FSM, carried most of the weight of the remarks. He acknowledged former congressman McAdams, staff from Senator Kwan’s office, elders and community leaders for their support. He highlighted the challenges of coordinating with fellow ambassadors and the importance of their collective efforts. The ambassador also thanked community leaders and partners for their tireless work in organizing the event. He emphasized the significance of the gathering, which brings together people from the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Micronesia, and called on elders to guide the community moving forward.

Ambassador Paul from the RMI also made his acknowledgements, keeping his comments short so as not to get “in between everyone and the food”. In particular, he recognized the contributions of community leaders and traditional leaders, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and the collective effort in making the event successful. Overall, he expressed pride in the community’s unity and respect for all attendees, including those who couldn’t be present.

Fifth grade students from Mana Academy Charter School also spoke. They expressed pride in their Marshallese heritage and the school’s mission to foster native culture and leadership. They spoke about the significance of being recognized at the Utah State Capitol.

They also reflected on the personal impact of climate change on their families and communities, standing as a symbol of not just a fear of losing their homeland but also their cultural identity. The second speaker talked in particular about a song about our resilience and fight against the rising sea levels, reflecting the community’s deep connection to their land and heritage. “In the words of our climate warriors, we are not drowning, we are fighting.” Period.