The story of Nauru’s past is one of the most shameful tales of exploitation – in this case by foreign mining companies who left most of the island a wasteland.

The economy is now bankrupt, there is massive unemployment, and with little food grown on the island, the 10,000 residents rely mainly on imported food.

Like the Kiribati group, the 35 members of the Ikirara group were originally part of a project funded by the Forum Secretariat, employing Catherine Spicer.

The women elect a leader, who distributes and co-ordinates orders. 

Products are made from local red seeds and shells.

(for further information on our groups in the Solomon Islands see Vital issue 17, November 2005)