Virtual summit to highlight Hawaiian culture-based practices of our kūpuna

Feb. 24, 2022

An upcoming Kamehameha Schools summit takes Hawaiian culture-based education a step further exploring Hawaiian culture-based practices. The virtual summit – Ka Waiwai No Nā Kūpuna: Hawaiian Culture-Based Practices for All – will help perpetuate our most treasured resources, the cultural ‘ike (knowledge) and practices of our kūpuna (Native Hawaiian ancestors).

The summit is slated for Friday, March 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, March 5 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. The event is free and open to the public, but attendees must complete the registration process. Registration closes on March 2.

“The summit and its workshops capture the shift from being receivers of cultural information to becoming active practitioners who continue cultural traditions in which our kūpuna engaged to maintain a sense of balance and total well-being,” said Kealapono Education Program Manager Laurie Seto who heads the summit planning committee. “By applying or practicing the things we learn, it allows us to internalize, appreciate, innovate and perpetuate.”

Culture-based presentations and workshops on March 4 include the topics of ʻai pono (foods and cooking for health and well-being), hoʻoponopono (Hawaiian family conflict resolution), lawena (Hawaiian behavior and ways of being), lomilomi (Hawaiian massage), hana noʻeau (art), moʻolelo (oral traditions of Hawaiʻi), lua (Hawaiian martial art), mahiʻai (Hawaiian farming and planting), lāʻau lapaʻau (Hawaiian herbal healing) and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language). Some sessions will continue with a deeper dive on March 5.

Summit speakers hail from across the pae‘aina and include members of our Kamehameha ‘ohana. Among them are nā kahu o Kamehameha Kahu Kalani Wong KSK’74, Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard KSK’77, Kahu Manu Naeole KSK’96; KS Cultural Specialist Hau‘oli Akaka, and KS Maui HCBE Coordinator Ekela Kaniaupio-Crozier who lead a talk-story session called Pili ‘Uhane: Hawaiian Spirituality.

“This KS initiative illustrates KS’ commitment to adapting to the challenges and ever-changing digital times by investing in world-class Hawaiian culture-based education and practices,” Seto said. “We are blessed to have individuals from across KS and in the wider Hawaiian community who are willing to share their cultural ‘ike. Their perseverance and commitment allows events like this to occur and attract a diverse group of learners.”

Seto says all are welcome. “No matter where you are on the path of cultural learning, all are encouraged to answer the kāhea (the call) to come learn about and connect with our ʻike kūpuna.”

To learn more and to register for the two-day event, visit the Ka Waiwai No Nā Kūpuna website

No matter where you are on the path of cultural learning, all are encouraged to answer the kāhea (the call) to come learn about and connect with our ʻike kūpuna.
Laurie Seto, Kealapono Education Program Manager

FAQs

When was the first summit?
Last year February 2021, Ka Waiwai No Nā Kūpuna was promoted as a “Hawaiian Culture-based Education for ALL Conference”

Can you attend even if you’re new to the Hawaiian language and culture?
Absolutely, the event is meant for everyone sparked by their curiosity and interest to learn more.

Do you have to attend all the sessions?
Not at all. You can attend as few or as many as your schedule allows. We expect that people will be popping in and out throughout the day, and we appreciate any effort made to attend and be a part of the Hawaiian culture-based education and practices community that is being cultivated.

What kinds of learners will attend the summit?
Last year’s attendees included Hawai‘i Department of Education and private school Kumu (pre-K, K-12, university level), haumāna, mākua, kūpuna, community organization members, administrators, educational coaches, as well as a folks from a broad spectrum of professions including businesses, the travel industry, and healthcare. We hope to again see a similar variety of diverse learners from across our islands, U.S., and the world.

When and where will the session recordings be posted and can you view them if you didn’t attend the summit?
Most sessions will be recorded. We encourage everyone to register, so even if you cannot attend on the day, you will be alerted to when and where the recordings are available to view. Our website will continue to be updated and serve as a way to be kept informed.

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hawaiian culture based education, hawaiian culture-based practices, community education

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