Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 30, Number 10, 1 ʻOkakopa 2013 — Repatriation trip [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Repatriation trip

n late August, Hui Mālama i Nā Kūpuna o Hawai'i Nei (Hui Mālama) and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs sent a small team on assignment to bring home 144 kūpuna from the Natural History Museum (NHM) and one kupuna from the Weleome Trust, both located in London. An 'Ōiwi TV team was also part of the group and documented this historic event. The highlights helow provide a glimpse into their experiences: After 20 hours traveling, the group assembles in a private ^ corner of their small hotel to review work plans and prac- ' tice onee more the pule, oli, and mele they will use in the necessary protocols and as ho'okupu. The team conducts protocols to prepare for the interaction q that will occur between themselves and the kūpuna. Edward ^ Halealoha Ayau (Executive Director of Hui Mālama) and Margaret Clegg (Head of the Human Remains Unit at NHM) sign the documents that transfer 144 kūpuna from NHM to Hui Mālama and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (Ka Pouhana and CEO Kamana'opono Crabbe earlier signed the same documents). The teamprepares the kūpuna for safe travels home.

The team goes to the Weleome Trust to repatriate one - kūpuna from that institution. They return to NHM to eon- " tinue their work to prepare the 144 kūpuna for a successful journey home.

P^Y Theteamconducts • research on ^ European-related repatriation matters. P^Y 145 kūpuna and - the team arrive ® safely at home.

Reburial plans UPON • , . , dcti idm are implemented, nL I UnN , . r jq returmng eaeh of HAWAI'I ll16 14^ kūpuna to rest on their home islands of Molokai, O'ahu and Hawai'i.

The group begins its second day of work at the Natural History Museum with pule and protocol.

Filmmaker Nā'ālehu Anthony captures a triumphant moment as Halealoha Ayau, Klhei Nahale'ā and Kauila Kanahele, grandson of Hui Mālama's kumu Edward and Pualani Kanahele, arrive at the Natural History Museum to bring home 1 44 kūpuna.