Aloha 'Āina, Ea, and Hoʻoulu Lāhui

Sep 15

Repost from June 14, 2024

This past week, I spent some much-needed time engaged in ʻāina, cultivating new friendships, and nurturing old ones. Last Saturday, I went out to a loʻi and got to talk story with college students and recent graduates about their relationship with ʻāina, and I'm always amazed and inspired by the depth of ʻike our youth have when it comes to Aloha ʻĀina work. I've been going to this particular farm for about six months now, and it's quickly become one of my favorite ways to disconnect from technology and re-ground myself in my pikoʻu.

I celebrated Kamehameha Day at the Hawai'i Convention Center for the opening Moananuiākea Conversations for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC). Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio gave an opening keynote titled, "E mau ke Ea: Sovereignty, Sanctuary, and Collective Liberation." There were a few moments that stood out to me. On the note of sovereignty, Heoli boldly called on us as members of Oceania, as a part of a collective Lāhui to recognize the ongoing genocide in Palestine, the Congo, Sudan, and New Caledonia. While talking specifically about Palestine, I noted someone in the audience stood up and shook their hand at Heoli, possibly demonstrating opposition to their stance on the violence in Gaza and Rafah. While it was disappointing to see this individual's behavior, I'm glad Heoli spoke of Palestine and articulated its significance for people in the Pacific.

At numerous times during the talk, Heoli urged the audience to "do your homework" if we were unfamiliar with Kanaka ʻŌiwi activists like Haunani Kay Trask, Walter Ritte, and George Helm. While this spurred loud laughter by many kūpuna in the audience, I recognized the truth and urgency behind Heoliʻs call to action. Indeed, while we live during a time when globalization and technological advancements shape our world so frequently, we may find it difficult to look to history as a relevant source of knowledge that can guide the way we live today. However, there is so much we can learn from the past, and Heoli's message reminded me that I have a lot of homework to do on Hawaiian and Pacific histories.

On the note of Ea or sovereignty, Heoli questioned, "What good is sovereignty without refuge? What good is sovereignty without care?" I appreciate these points because they emphasize the humanity, the dignity, and the unity that needs to occur to ensure Indigenous livelihoods continue to exist. To this end, I continue to sit with this notion of refuge and care while ideating what a justice-oriented STEAM education could look like when Aloha ʻĀina is a foundational principle in curriculum and pedagogy.

This point came to mind again on Thursday when I attended Kau Ka Peʻa Holo Ka Waʻa: Celebrating Voyaging throughout Moananuiākea at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. The evening celebration, which honored Satalwal master navigator Mau Piailug, was a beautiful demonstration of song and dance. Delegation members of multiple Pacific Islander nations who sailed across the Pacific for FestPAC performed heritage dances and shared fond memories of their time with Papa Mau. I remain in awe of the impact that one individual had on revitalizing Indigenous voyages around the world and speaking back to western, colonial beliefs about our people's ability to navigate without the use of modern technology.

As FestPAC comes to a close this upcoming Sunday, I am beyond grateful that Hawai'i was selected to serve as a host nation during my lifetime. It has been such a special week full of language, culture, and stories, and I hope the conversations and cultural exchanges that occurred will continue for generations to come. I hope our collective Lāhui turn our attention toward New Caledonia, where the Indigenous Kanak Peoples are fighting illegal occupation by France. Together, as one people, one Pacific, one Oceania, we will prevail.