Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 34, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 2017 — Indigenous Voices Rising [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Indigenous Voices Rising

A loha mai from the islands of /\ Kaua'i andNi'ihau! / \ I believe huae eon-

# % gratulations are in / \order for the Water Protectors of Standing Rock! The efforts of the thousands who physically stood on the front line to protect their natural resources, in combination with the advocacy happening at all levels, is a fine example of how effective our indigenous voices ean be when we work together righteously for the right cause. Although the issue may not be resolved yet, because we do not know what the future holds with the incoming presiden-

tial administration, this victory should be celebrated and commended! While the circumstances were not ideal (the use of physical force has led to numerous human rights violations complaints, including a filing to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights), the steadfastness of the protectors coupled with advocacy at the administrative and legislative levels should be looked to as an example. Here at home we have similar issues in our Native Hawaiian communities when it comes to protecting our natural and cultural resources. Our people should not have to sacrifice their bodies and risk the type of abuse the Water Protectors endured in order for their voices to be heard. The Obama administration aeknowledged the need for greater consultation with Native peoples for "infrastructure projects" such as the Dakota Access Pipeline. Our leaders in Hawai'i need to acknowledge that Native Hawaiian voices have been equally ignored on many large-scale projects. From the development of industrial observatories

on our Mauna summits to the diversion of fresh water from our streams, Native Hawaiian voices of opposition are

often silenced, when they surely deserve greater consideration. These ongoing battles signal a time for new leaders to emerge. We do not know where Presidentelect Trump will stand on the ongoing efforts to combat climate change or if he will support indigenous rights, but his past actions and words should set off alarms for us. We must be diligent in preparing to double down on our effort to advocate on these issues as climate change is a major threat to our home as the most isolated

islands in the world and indigenous p e o p 1 e s throughout the Pacific are leading the charge to curb its impacts. We are at a critical juncture where we need strong, bold leadership.

I am firmly committed to working within OHA and throughout our community to help uplift a new generation of leaders who are grounded in indigenous knowledge and practices, and who are dedicated to preserving our most delicate natural and cultural resources. I would like to mahalo Representative Tulsi Gabbard for taking a bold stand with the Water Protectors. Her leadership is refreshing and should be duplicated at all levels of government. I will close this article with a reference to her statement on December 5, 2016 regarding Mauna Kea and TMT: "As we discuss the use of crown land, our responsibility is to ensure that the process is open, transparent, and embraced by our Native Hawaiian community. "I firmly agree and believe that sentiment should be applied to all issues regarding resource management in Hawai'i, the Native Hawaiian eommunity needs to have a strong, meaningful voice at the table at all times. I look forward to helping make that happen!" ■

Dan Ahuna TrustEE, Kaua'i and Ni'ihau

Photo: Courtesy oflndigenous Environmental Network