Proud to be Chamorro: Micronesians & the Pacific - James Arriola

Episode Overview

In this episode, we explore indigenous approaches to behavioural health, the power of faith and culture in healing, and how Micronesian communities are navigating contemporary mental health challenges. From addressing youth suicide to reframing Western models through indigenous wisdom, we ask: what does it look like when local knowledge leads the way in community wellbeing?

About James Arriola

Our guest is James Arriola, founder of Brabu Behavioural Health Services based in Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands where he was born and raised. With over 15 years of experience in evaluation, training, and service delivery, James has dedicated his career to faith-centred, culturally responsive, and indigenous behavioural health across Oceania. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Pacific Behavioural Health Collaborating Council, supporting leadership across American Samoa, Northern Marian (CNMI), Guam, Micronesia (FSM), Marshall Islands (RMI), and Palau.

Micronesia

James reminds us that Micronesians are very much part of the Pacific, even though often left out of regional conversations. He speaks to the unique mental health issues facing Micronesian communities and how solutions already exist within our own indigenous knowledge systems. As a proud Chamorro, James offers both insight and advocacy, calling for greater recognition of Micronesian voices in global and regional wellbeing efforts.

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