In the ancient Pacific Islander tradition of oral history, “mo`olelo” (stories) were passed down through generations by elders and practitioners about everything from daily activities to sacred ceremony in many different ways; the most common being mele (songs, chants, poetry) and hula (dance).

 

The `Ulumau Collective will present a panel discussion and experiential demonstrations of native Hawaiian and Polynesian cultural art disciplines of ancestral knowledge that has been passed down through many generations in mele and hula (songs and dances), tatau (tattoo), and food preparation (kalo/taro, poi).

 

The ‘Ulumau Collective presentations will leave our multi-generational audience informed, intrigued, and inspired to explore the significance of how knowing your past can help guide and influence your future, thus, showcasing the importance of perpetuating traditional storytelling in its many forms.

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Presenters:

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Kekuhikuhipuuoneonaaliio Kohala Kanae Kanahele Kealiikanakaoleohaililani

Mo`opuna to the fire and the forest. Granddaughter of Edith and Luka Kanakaole, daughter of Pualani Kanakaole and Edward Kanahele, mother of Kaumakaiwa, Ulumauahi, Kauilanui, Keahika`ai`ohelo, and Kekuhi Haililani, wife of Taupouri Tangarō, and I am Tutu to Hinamaoulua`e, Kauahi Kauwe, and Nakapuahi Kamakaohua.

 

Kahu Paʻakū (Paʻa) ʻĀlana

A traditional Kanaka Maoli tattoo practitioner (mea kākau uhi), Kahu Paʻakū (Paʻa) ʻĀlana is a graduate of Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa.  Kahu `Ālana is a trained kahu, an expert genealogical researcher, and a former teacher at the prestigious Hawaiian Immersion school, ʻAha Punānā Leo o Honolulu. His passion for traditional tattooing has led him to perform extensive research on this topic from both Hawaiian language and English sources.

 

Kumu Kau’i Peralto

Kumu Kau`i Peralto is a Native Hawaiian, Chinese, and Caucasian community organizer, educator, social justice advocate, and passionate about indigenous rights.  She lives her culture and believes in the traditions and power of indigenous knowledge to be a source of wisdom in contemporary discussions. Kumu Kau`i also believes that our “words” are not only that which is spoken, but also that which flows through our beings and unites with our environment.