Join Kamehameha Schools’ Kaʻiwakīloumoku Pacific Indigenous Institute for Moananuiākea Connections, a fresh initiative that continues the cultural exchanges sparked during this summer’s 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture.
The series celebrates the enduring bonds formed between our Pacific ʻohana from different nations across Moananuiākea, beginning with an exciting Tahitian dance and song workshop led by the award-winning group, Tahiti Mana!
On October 16 at 6:30 p.m., Manariʻi and Nalini Gauthier will lead participants in learning a traditional Tahitian song and dance. No matter your experience level, everyone is welcome to participate! Light refreshments will be provided, but don’t forget to bring a water bottle, face towel and pareu.
Snowbird Bento, a cultural consultant at Kaʻiwakīloumoku, explained that the series builds on the connections formed at FestPAC.
“We really thought about how we can take those experiences at FestPAC – that generated so much positivity and connectivity – and continue these opportunities for our families, haumāna, and community to engage,” Bento said.
These gatherings aim to deepen our understanding of our cousins across the Pacific and the shared histories, languages and practices that bind us.
“We’re more connected by our ocean than we are divided by it,” Bento emphasized. “This is how we promote lāhui building and understanding amongst each other, not just from kanaka to kanaka. We can think of ourselves as not just people of Hawaiʻi but people of the Pacific.”
Bento’s connection to FestPAC began in 1992 when she traveled to the Cook Islands as part of a Kamehameha Schools student delegation. The experience left an impression and helped her embrace her ʻōiwi roots. Today, she carries that passion forward as she facilitates these cultural events.
In addition to the workshop, a screening of “The Return of Polynesian Treasures” will take place on October 23, in collaboration with the International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival. Bento underscored the importance of continuing cultural exchanges, from dance workshops to engaging panel discussions.
“These events are so important for us to continue fostering our Pacific identity,” Bento said. “They provide the space for our community to reconnect, learn and grow.”
No registration is required for this free in-person event. For more information, contact Snowbird Bento at snbento@ksbe.edu.
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kaʻiwakīloumoku,community events,community education,pacific,native hawaiian identity,moananuiākea
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