Jun. 10, 2015

Contributed by Pakalani Bello

“Take nothing for granted. What will you do with the 86,400 seconds you have today?” This question was posed to a group of us on a bright, cool afternoon on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Comprised of high school students and staff from seven Hawaiian-focused public charter schools and a small group of Kamehameha Schools staff, this delegation was brought together for two distinct but connected purposes: to share abroad the Indigenous Youth Declaration created at the inaugural World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WiPC:E) Lā ‘Ōpio – Youth Day in 2014.

It was a simple but profound question, one of many reminders calling us to accept the kuleana that is before us and make every day count.

“These students are already leaders in their own schools, and this trip provided an opportunity for them to experience another sister indigenous culture alongside their peers and mentors,” says Nā Lei Na‘auao – Native Hawaiian Charter School Alliance coordinator Ka‘iulani Pahi‘ō, a delegation member.

“They were able to visit native schools and communities and to lead discussions around the Indigenous Youth Declaration. They will always treasure this experience.”

As peer-elected representatives of Ke Ea Hawai‘i Statewide Student Council for Nā Lei Na‘auao, this group of students was especially aware of their purpose and kuleana. Throughout the course of the week-long, whirlwind visit to Aotearoa, they would proudly represent Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i’s youth in a variety of settings, bringing home with them a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to our lāhui Hawai‘i. 

“It was an honor to be the chosen group that could represent not only ourselves as individuals but also as Hawai‘i and students of the future nation.” says Ke Kula ‘o Samuel M. Kamakau PCS senior Kau‘i McElroy. “Although Ke Ea Hawai‘i is a small group just starting up, we have already been able to represent Hawai‘i in all sorts of ways. It was a privilege and an honor.”

One of the group’s most memorable experiences was presenting the Indigenous Youth Declaration in the formal departure ceremony for Hōkūle‘a to navigator Kaleomanuiwa Wong, so that it could be carried with Hōkūle‘a to every community she visits as part of the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage, representing the voice of indigenous youth and ultimately being presented at the United Nations in New York.

The ceremony also honored revered Māori master carver and navigator Hekenukumai “Hector” Busby, who reminded everyone that, “You are not here by chance. Although you may not see it now, everyone here today has a greater purpose and a reason for being here together.”

Another highlight was the student cultural exchanges with neighboring Māori community schools, where our Hawaiian youth led discussions and activities focused around the Indigenous Youth Declaration, with the goal of learning from their Māori peers about the issues that are most critical in their communities. These educational exchanges affirmed for our students and staff that, as indigenous people, our passions, successes, challenges and aspirations are one in the same.

“My intention was not to go there and return home believing that their culture is now mine, my intention was to see for myself the links and connections between our two cultures and to understand our place as kanaka maoli to our lands,” says Kanu o ka ‘Āina PCS senior Auli‘i Mahuna. 

“There aren’t enough words to sum up the amount of growth that this trip has given me. It has led me to understand my aspirations in life at a new level and more in depth than before. It has given me inspiration to lead the next generation into a generation of pono, a generation of giving and receiving knowledge,” she says, effectively speaking on behalf of her Ke Ea Hawai‘i peers about the greatest takeaway for all.

There aren’t enough words to sum up the amount of growth that this trip has given me. It has led me to understand my aspirations in life at a new level and more in depth than before. It has given me inspiration to lead the next generation into a generation of pono, a generation of giving and receiving knowledge.
Auli‘i Mahuna, Kanu o ka ‘Āina Public Charter School senior