Families gathered in Waimānalo to participate in a Kōnane Workshop held by craftsman Wilfred “Bam” Andrade of Na Maka Kahiko on May 26.

The free one-day workshop is one of four family engagement experiences to connect families while learning how to make their own papamū (board) to play kōnane. With sponsorship by Kamehameha Schools’ CE&R Koʻolau and Waialua region and by providing the facility to hold the workshop, Na Maka Kahiko is reconnecting families to a traditional strategy game that our ancestors once played. The two-person game has been likened to checkers, but it all comes down to whomever gets the last move that wins.

“This is all about getting the kids together, the more we do this, the more we can bring our families into learning kōnane,” Andrade said. He tells his class as they are playing, “Do you notice how everyone is calm and relaxed? That’s how it should be. Use this skill in everyday life.”

“The more we support partners who provide ‘ohana experiences rooted in Hawaiian culture, the better,” said Dr. Jamee Māhealani Miller, regional director for Koʻolau and Waialua. “We want ‘ohana to remember the games we once played that continue to be enjoyed today, while building pilina and how the skills of kōnane applies to everyday life with their keiki and friends.”

TAGS
sp2020 goal 3,organization & aina

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Waialua, Ko’olau, Themes, Community, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Community Education, News Briefs

Print with photos Print text only