Dr. Joseph Maher
December 16, 1976
Page
4
IT would vecommend that ERDA assume a more proactive role in the
total effort.
It's highly unlikely that pop and DOI will do more
then carry out their immediate responsibilities.
Continued moni~
toring of radioactive levels is important as are continued efforts
to communicate
risks
to Marshall
Islanders.
Moreover,
I would
strongly urge ERDA to consider monitoring the adjustment and interaction processes of island groups.
From my experience in working
with American Indian groups involved in similar relocation efforts,
I can assure you that the transition will not be a smooth one.
The following questions are but a partial list of issues that could
be addressed:
1.
2.
What
steps will be
taken
to assist the
Islanders
eventually develop a self-supporting economy?
What relearning of
former methods of subsistence
will occur and what will be their effect on the
quality of life?
3.
What norms and sanctions will emerge that will pre~
vent.Islanders from frequenting off-limit areas?
How will they be enforced?
4.
To what extent have western ways affected the culture
§.
Will
of
the people?
adoption of western ways
deviancy,
such as
depression,
6.
7.
8.
9.
etc.?
introduce
forms
alcoholism, delinquency,
of
reduce
What adjustments will be made by Islanders and how
will
they effect daily
What does
_isolated
the
future
living patterns?
hold
for
an
island group
from the main flow of economic activity?
What are the social,
etc. of Islanders?
educational,
employment needs,
Research Centers here in Seattle has comto the issues just raised and can plan a
long-term program to investigate a number of these issues.
demand
representing
tise
social
unemployment,
What prevention measures can be developed to
the possible emergence of social deviancy?
Battelle Human Affairs
petent staff sensitive
tasks
to
an
function
interdisciplinary
approach where
staff
The
scientists
a broad range of social and behavioral science experas
a
team.
I011123
.