Marshall Islands natives' celebration
There is a large population of Marshall Islands natives in the Spokane region. Marshallese gather to celebrate one-year-old Malachi Bertmen's Birthday on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at the Southside Senior Center. Hundrends gathered for the significant family event called a kemem.
Section:Picture story
Mellorina Beasha holds her son, Malachi Bertmen, for a snapshot on a tablet computer before his party at the Southside Senior Center, Feb, 18, 2012.
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Marshallese women prepare to serve food at the Southside Senior Center stage, Feb, 18, 2012.
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Marshallese girls get flowers for their hair from Binnie Barry before cultural dancing at the Southside Senior Center, Feb, 18, 2012.
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Marshallese teenagers watch cultural dancing from the side entrance of the Southside Senior Center stage, Feb, 18, 2012.
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Marshallese listen cultural singing from the side entrance of the Southside Senior Center stage, Feb, 18, 2012.
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Marshalese girls perform cultural dancing at the Southside Senior Center, Feb, 18, 2012.
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Marshallese watch cultural dancing at the Southside Senior Center stage, Feb, 18, 2012.
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Marshalese listen to Cassy Jilej sing cultural songs at the Southside Senior Center stage, Feb, 18, 2012.
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Marshallese toss money to one-year-old Malachi Bertmen at the Southside Senior Center, Feb, 18, 2012.
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Mellorrina Beasha wears a bright colored flower in her hair to her son’s birthday party at the Southside Senior Center stage, Feb, 18, 2012.
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Marshallese line up to greet and toss money to one-year-old Malachi Bertmen at the Southside Senior Center stage, Feb, 18, 2012.
Nukit Jelke tosses candy treats at the Southside Senior Center, Feb, 18, 2012.
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