The Origins and Development of the Pacific Islands Scholars Fund

Abstract

The Pacific Islands Scholars Fund (PISF) was established and funded by contributions from members of the Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) in order to support the increased participation of Pacific Islander scholars in ASAO sessions at the association’s annual meetings. This paper traces the origins of the fund as well as the various accompanying ways that ASAO members, especially the PISF chair and committee members, session organizers, and other participants, have provided additional support and mentorship to encourage and facilitate the incorporation of Pacific Islanders in ASAO sessions.