Apr. 7, 2016

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Kamehameha Schools’ First Nations’ Futures Program (FNFP) is currently accepting applications for the 2016-2017 program year.

FNFP seeks to develop well-balanced leaders who serve their communities through impactful work in community, public or professional roles. FNFP is an international alliance, with partners in Aotearoa and Alaska, that share a desire to build indigenous capacity through developing values-based leadership and more integrated solutions for managing natural and cultural resources. The program partners' common purpose is to improve the well-being of their communities and steward their assets, including natural and cultural resources, in perpetuity. 

The program has a rich history in bringing together and developing leaders that will make a significant impact for Hawaiʻi’s future. The current Hawaiʻi cohort of emerging leaders, named Papa Ulana, is the program's 10th since 2006.

One of those leaders is current KS community investing manager Shannon Kalei Toriki. After being encouraged by a friend to apply, Toriki was hesitant. Not sure if she would be able to commit to the substantial time the program asks for or if she was “ready” for a program like this, it ultimately came down to the unique opportunities FNFP could offer.

“Where else would I find a professional development program that was built by and for Native Hawaiians?” shared Toriki. 

“FNFP nurtures ‘ōiwi leaders, thinkers and doers…I wanted to be a part of something like that.

“FNFP offered me access to unparalleled learning experiences, including opportunities to directly learn from and build pilina with ‘ōiwi leaders leading Native Hawaiian organizations that are doing incredible, game-changing work for our Lāhui today.  There are so many enriching conversations, exchange of ideas, learning and growing that goes on – in big ways and small.  FNFP offers so much to its fellows.  As part of the 10th cohort, our papa also has the added benefit of joining a network of 50+ other past fellows who are all committed to a thriving Lāhui and ‘āina.” 

FNFP runs an entire year and offers an academic program and a series of problem-based learning experiences in Hawai‘i. Highlights include:

• A two-week First Nations’ Futures Institute at Stanford University (a Stanford certificate course) which equips fellows with an innovative and expansive set of tools from academia (see a video below highlighting the 10th year of that project component).
• A Hawai‘i leadership institute, ‘Aha Nauā Lelepā, which compliments the Stanford program and provides fellows with the experience of indigenous leaders in Hawai‘i today
• A Hawai‘i placed-based project where learning throughout the year can be applied and which culminates in a presentation to program directors, collaborators and KS leadership

Applications are available now through May 31, 2016. See the tentative program schedule for the 2016-17 cohort.

For anyone who is considering applying, Toriki shares, “Absolutely apply!

Like any other experience, it’s about what you make of it and I encourage anyone to take full advantage of what the program offers.  If you go, go all-in.  You won’t regret it, I promise.”

For more information on the program, visit www.fnfp.org, call (808) 541-5346 or email fellowship@ksbe.edu.

FNFP offered me access to unparalleled learning experiences, including opportunities to directly learn from and build pilina with ‘ōiwi leaders leading Native Hawaiian organizations that are doing incredible, game-changing work for our lāhui today.
Shannon Toriki, 2015-16 FNFP fellow - Papa Ulana