12 Pacific. Prior to relocation, the Bikinians were an isolated people with relatively little contact with outsiders. 1946, Since they have experienced multiple relocations which have altered both their social and physical environments. The Bikinians' first resettlement on another northern atcll ended in disaster after two years when it became known that the new location did not provide an adequate subsistence base. emergency meaSure, As an the islanders were evacuated to a military base in the Marshalls where they were compelled to compare their own culture and society with the part of America represented by the United States Navy. After several months, islanders were moved to a small single island the (not an atoll) -in the southern Marshalls,' and ecological zone that differs greatly from that of the north. This resettlement also brought the Bikinians into frequent interaction with more acculturated Marshallese (Kiste, 1968, 1974). During the course of their Successive relocations, Bikinians were always under the impression that they would eventually return to their atoll. Within the past year, negotiations between Bikinians and federal officals were finalized and plans were underway to permit rehabitation. Unfortunately there is still one major problem that Bikinians must contend with--portions of their atoll contain dangerous levels of radioactivity. tively small, 2.3 square miles, restrain islanders it will be difficult to from roaming about in the danger zones, particularly children. quay Since the atoll is rela- 50] [| 03