The Battelle staff members who will conduct the proposed research are highly qualified in studies of different cultural groups.
Some have direct experience in developing communication schemes
with underdeveloped countries.
One staff member, an anthropologist,
is extremely knowledgeable about sociocultural characteristics of
Bikinians and Enewetakese.
Moreover,
the project staff are sensi-
tive to the issues and concerns posed by intracultural and inter-
cultural experiences, which is a requisite for conducting the type
of research proposed in this project.
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
In 1946, the people of Bikini Atoll in the northern Marshall
Islands were relocated when their atoll was selected as the United
States’ first post-war nuclear test site.
The following year the
small communities at Enewetak Atoll were moved to Ujilang Atoll as
nuclear tests were continued and expanded.
Prior to relocation,
northern Marshallese groups were a relatively isolated people having
limited contact with outsiders.
Since 1946,
traditional living pat-
terns have been altered due, in part, to multiple relocations,
accelerated contact with outsiders,
and growing dependency on the
federal government for resources.
The Enewetakese and perhaps some Bikinians anticipate returning to their native homes, especially since the federal government
authorized resettlement.
On August 12,
1968,
President Lyndon B.
Johnson announced that the Bikinians would be able to return to
Bikini Island but not before homes were built and relative safety
standards established.
Since 1972 a small group of Bikinians has