Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 38, Number 11, 1 November 2021 — Hekili, Alaula, and Naupaka: Honoring Our Essence [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Help Learn more about this Article Text

Hekili, Alaula, and Naupaka: Honoring Our Essence

V E 'ONIPA'A KAKOU V ^ BE STEADFAST *

By Sharon Ehia Na wai ke kama 'o 'oe (whose child are you)? No hea mai 'oe (what plaee claims you)? These provocative questions are displayed alongside a powerful mural of trauma and healing by Meleana Meyer. Due to our history of eolonial oppression, Hawaiians may have experienced cultural disconnection. Lili'uokalani Trust's strategic vision aims to provide transformational programs to our Queen's beneficiaries that promote cultural connections, ancestral abundance, and nā kamalei lupalupa (thriving children). Hekili, Alaula, Naupaka (HAN) is one such LT progam. Hekili (passion, thunder, rage), Alaula (glow of early dawn or sunset), and Naupaka (two spirits) honor the essence (mana) of kāne, wāhine and māhū. The program kahua (foundation) honors ancestral wisdom that aflirms the significance of all roles. Ancestral rituals help Kānaka create a mau a mau continuum (e.g., past, present, future). Hekili Hale Mua is space for male learning of rites of passage and skills mastery through mentoring. Hale mua is a plaee for kāne to heal, be heard, strengthen resolve, re-experience masculine essence, and lift up Kānaka cultural consciousness. Young males without positive male role models

yearn to find a replacement - whieh may be one from the "streets." Positive male mentorship fills this void by promoting healthy practices for young kāne to positively contibute to the eommunity. Alaula Hale Pe'a is a space celebrating the sacredness of wāhine and their pivotal role in the eommunity. Inspired by stories about Queen Lili'uokalani and her leadership, HAN de-stigmatizes feminine power and afhrms the vital role of mana wāhine in perpetuation of mo'okū'auhau through the birth of new generations. Naupaka HAN acknowledges and embraces māhū (two spirits). Historically, māhū were the fabric of our society. They were our healers, practitioners, and our kia'i (protectors) when the kāne were away. Māhū could traverse both spaces, this is what made them special. Māhū were never segregated, they lived in both spaces. HAN honors māhū for their gifts. Through LT programs like HAN, our kamali'i honor their ancestral lineage with grace and dignity by knowing the answers to "na wai ke kama 'o 'oe?" and "no hea mai 'oe?" We hold equitable space for the acknowledgement and kuleana to self, family, and eommunity. We promote nohona Hawai'i, the value of relationships, and the importance of our Queen's culture. A recent HAN participant shared, "It's important to have a group like this that's full of knowledge and experience that enriches our legacy." ■ Email Sehia@onipaa.org ifyou are interested in learning more about Hekili,Alaula, and Naupaka programs.

HISTORICAl TRAUMA

HEALINO

Ku'u 'Aina Aloha by Al Laaunero, Melanna Meyer, Harinani 0rme, Kahi Ching, Carl F.K. Pao, and Soīomon Enos

Sharon Ehia is guided by three mana wāhine: Lilia Malaea Nawaiekolu Wahapaa Makaiki, Racheal Lahela Kahaamaikai Aana, and Ohiawahineokalani Ahnin. Nā kūpuna with ancestral lineagefrom Makaweli Kaua'i and the island ofMaui. For thepast 20 years, Sharon has committed to the work ofour Mō'ī Wahine, Queen Lili'uokalani. Sharon has a master's degree in social workfrom the University of Hawai'i. Her passion and commitment arefor the wellbeing and self-determi-nation of Native Hawaiian kamali'i, 'ohana, and community.