Aug. 29, 2019

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi is committed to providing spaces in which kanaka can flourish. With history happening before our eyes, Kula Kiʻekiʻe has recognized an opportunity to bring haumāna together to better understand various issues, the historical context, and how to intelligently discuss and elevate conversations around issues of Hawaiian importance. 

Launching next week Tuesday (9/3), ALOHA ʻĀINA TALKS is a weekly talk story session with Kumu Kalani Makekau-Whittaker that focuses on contemporary and historical Kanaka Maoli politics. 

Topics will range from the current Maunakea situation, other contemporary Kanaka movements, the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom government, the annexation of Hawaiʻi, hula, language, various aliʻi, Hawaiʻiʻs recognition as an independent state as well as other things. Guest speakers may be brought in from time to time as well. 

Participation is voluntary and presented as a safe space to listen and engage. The series is designed to help haumāna engage in intellectual discussions to:

• Deepen their understanding and perspective of Kanaka Maoli Politics so they can formulate their own opinions of these historical events
• Deepen their identity as Kanaka Maoli
• Clarify topics that may be covered in class
• Help haumāna better articulate their manaʻo around these topics

Aloha ʻĀina Talks will take place in the Kekuʻiapoiwa Learning Center during first lunch every Tuesday. 

Senior students recently visited Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu to understand and witness firsthand what was happening there. They learned new oli and mele, participated in protocols, volunteered at the Pu’uhonua, and got to meet with kūpuna. Photo: Kanaeokana