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Micronesians Part of Milan's Future

By Kaomi Lee

The first Micronesians arrived from the island of Chuuk in Micronesia in 2000. They settled in Milan, Minnesota, a small rural community with a long history that has ties to Norway. Micronesians such as Michael Elias and Hellen Yowanes decided to start a family and make Milan their new home. Elias found work at the nearby Jennie-O turkey processing plant for $12 an hour. Yowanes is involved with Micronesian cultural events. Their children attend the local school district. Now, nearly two decades later, the family and dozens more like them, have become part of Milan's future. But things might get complicated soon.

This story was published January 15, 2019.

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