Ku’i Ka Lono: 2006 Conference on Hawaiian Indigenous Education, Research, and Well-being

September 12, 2006

Contributed by Ryan "Gonzo" Gonzalez

Na Lei Na'auao and Kamehameha Schools combine conferences
Since 2002, two major educational organizations have convened meetings of Hawaiian indigenous educators, researchers and students. Ku'i Ka Lono (to spread the "news") has brought together hundreds of Na Lei Na'auao - Native Hawaiian Charter School students and staff from Kaua'i, O'ahu, and Hawai'i to share best practices in indigenous education and to celebrate their incredible progress. The Kamehameha Schools Research Conference has convened numerous researchers and educators to share studies and findings on Hawaiian indigenous education, research, and well-being.

This year the two conferences are combining into one larger conference, Ku'i Ka Lono. Researchers, educators and students will present research, practices, and knowledge in improving educational outcomes for all Hawaiian students on November 15, 16, and 17, 2006.

Date: November 15-17, 2006
Where: Hawai�i Convention Center
Cost: $250 for all three days or $100 per day
Scholarships: Partial scholarships may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. More information to follow.
Registration: Download form
Registration deadline: September 29, 2006
Questions/information: Elizabeth Aulsebrook 534-3829 (toll free 800-842-4682, ext. 43829)

Conference participants will examine topics including: What kinds of educational strategies are successful with Hawaiian learners? How can these approaches and tools be shared with classrooms and schools across the state? In what ways do educational, spiritual, health, and economic outcomes affect Hawaiian well-being?

A major focus of the conference will be Na Lau Lama (many lights), the newly formed statewide collaboration to improve educational outcomes for Native Hawaiian students in public schools. This initiative was launched in January 2006 and is a partnership between the Hawai'i DOE, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, the Native Hawaiian Education Council, and Na Pua No'eau, in collaboration with many community organizations.

Conference Sponsors
This year's conference is produced by the Kamehameha Schools, Na Lei Na'auao and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawai'i Department of Education.

Na Lau Lama - Cultural ways of learning and professional development for Hawai'i's teachers
The premise of Na Lau Lama is that Hawaiian students will perform better if cultural ways of learning and doing are part of the curriculum. Na Lau Lama aims to provide practical tools and cultural resources to teachers - via professional development - to channel successful practices from the community into public school classrooms. For more information, call Kanani Aton at 808-969-6864.

Links
Tentative schedule and conference topics
Registration form
Intent to Present form
Conference coordinator email