transracial adoption of Pacific Islander

There is a huge array of Pacific Islanders (that's a generic term for every island in the Pacific), but more specifically, you need to know where the family is from and focus on their specific culture and broaden it with others. While there are similarities between each island culture, each is very different and very unique.

You know, I felt mighty sheepish after reading your reply! I always say the exact same thing when I explain why, for the longest time, I didn't identify as "Caucasian" but specifically as "Polish"! I think where I was going with that grouping was to see if there was something general to Pacific Islanders I should be aware of. Like with an African-American or Black child, I would need to learn specific hair care and skin care. With a Latino child, one might want to pick up some Spanish. That kind of thing. But since asking this question, I've done some reading up on transracial adoption in general, and I think I have a better understanding of the right questions to ask now.

Oh gosh, I hope I didn't make you feel sheepish! I just moved from an island in the Pacific back to the mainland after many years and it is common to meld the Pacific Islanders into one entity. So let me see if I can help a little better! :) Language: many are dying from the recent generations lack of usage--if you can propagate the language, absolutely find someone to help you--even if just common words for later to incorporate. Hair and Skin: Depending what group of island(s) that is going to vary immensely. You will find some very light skinned islanders due to a huge melding with those of Asian and an influx of even Caucasian ethnicities. Hair is going to take you everywhere on the spectrum from perfectly straight to very curly. i.e.: Hawaiian, Samoan, Cook Islander, Maori, Marshall Islanders, etc. The most critical thing for this population is keeping that cultural identity pretty vivid for this child because of the strength of these families run strong on that identity. Hopefully, you have some community resources and cultural resources locally that may be of benefit to help, as well. I could go on eternally and I'm not sure if you want all this, but hopefully it is of some help. Feel free to message me so this doesn't turn into a book.