title: The Development and function of hana keaka (Hawaiian-medium theatre): A tool for the empowering Kanaka Maoli consciousness

authors: Baker, Tammy Haili'ōpua

subjects: Hana Keana

abstract: Since time immemorial Kānaka Maoli have recounted histories, stories, and cultural beliefs through performance. The art of performance is intrinsic to Kanaka Maoli existence, as oratory was the means in which our stories were recorded and shared, prior to the introduction of a writing system. Performance was embedded within the traditional practices of Kānaka Maoli, both religious and secular, through ritual incantations, poetry, dance, formal oratory, and so on. These forms of expression were infused into the theatrical arts to create hana keaka (Hawaiian-medium theatre). Due to the negative effects of colonization that nearly obliterated the Hawaiian language, religion, cultural practices, forms of art, and the indigenous people of the Hawaiian archipelago, hana keaka faded into the background. However, the cultural renaissance of the 1970’s, specifically the movement to revitalize and reinvigorate the Hawaiian language, elevated Hawaiian performing arts moving them into the foreground. The arts have promoted Hawaiian culture, language, and spirituality. Performing arts like hana keaka assert a Kanaka Maoli worldview through the medium of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i while reaffirming Kanaka Maoli consciousness.
This thesis explores the Kanaka Maoli performing art form of hana keaka, documenting the history, development, and practice of hana keaka from times past into the modern era. The research identifies four kūkulu (pillars) that are fundamental for hana keaka; Mo‘olelo, Kū‘auhau, Hana No‘eau, and ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i. Each kūkulu are necessary elements in the composition of hana keaka. The thesis also examines the cultural practices, creation process, and structure of hana keaka through the creative works of Ka Hālau Hanakeaka, a Hawaiian language theatre troupe based at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. The productions of Ka Hālau Hanakeaka represent an indigenous Hawaiian theatre aesthetic that contributes to the Hawaiian language revitalization movement. This study proves how hana keaka is being used as a tool to promote Kanaka Maoli perspectives, to empower Kanaka Maoli identity, and to reinforce Kanaka Maoli consciousness.

text: The Development and function of hana keaka (Hawaiian-medium theatre): A tool for the empowering Kanaka Maoli consciousness Since time immemorial Kānaka Maoli have recounted histories, stories, and cultural beliefs through performance. The art of performance is intrinsic to Kanaka Maoli existence, as oratory was the means in which our stories were recorded and shared, prior to the introduction of a writing system. Performance was embedded within the traditional practices of Kānaka Maoli, both religious and secular, through ritual incantations, poetry, dance, formal oratory, and so on. These forms of expression were infused into the theatrical arts to create hana keaka (Hawaiian-medium theatre). Due to the negative effects of colonization that nearly obliterated the Hawaiian language, religion, cultural practices, forms of art, and the indigenous people of the Hawaiian archipelago, hana keaka faded into the background. However, the cultural renaissance of the 1970’s, specifically the movement to revitalize and reinvigorate the Hawaiian language, elevated Hawaiian performing arts moving them into the foreground. The arts have promoted Hawaiian culture, language, and spirituality. Performing arts like hana keaka assert a Kanaka Maoli worldview through the medium of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i while reaffirming Kanaka Maoli consciousness.
This thesis explores the Kanaka Maoli performing art form of hana keaka, documenting the history, development, and practice of hana keaka from times past into the modern era. The research identifies four kūkulu (pillars) that are fundamental for hana keaka; Mo‘olelo, Kū‘auhau, Hana No‘eau, and ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i. Each kūkulu are necessary elements in the composition of hana keaka. The thesis also examines the cultural practices, creation process, and structure of hana keaka through the creative works of Ka Hālau Hanakeaka, a Hawaiian language theatre troupe based at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. The productions of Ka Hālau Hanakeaka represent an indigenous Hawaiian theatre aesthetic that contributes to the Hawaiian language revitalization movement. This study proves how hana keaka is being used as a tool to promote Kanaka Maoli perspectives, to empower Kanaka Maoli identity, and to reinforce Kanaka Maoli consciousness.

year: 2019

title: Biodiversity inventories in high gear: DNA barcoding facilitates a rapid biotic survey of a temperate nature reserve

authors: Telfer, A

abstract: Comprehensive biotic surveys, or ‘all taxon biodiversity inventories’ (ATBI), have traditionally been limited in scale or scope due to the complications surrounding specimen sorting and species identification. To circumvent these issues, several ATBI projects have successfully integrated DNA barcoding into their identification procedures and witnessed acceleration in their surveys and subsequent increase in project scope and scale. The Biodiversity Institute of Ontario partnered with the rare Charitable Research Reserve and delegates of the 6th International Barcode of Life Conference to complete its own rapid, barcode-assisted ATBI of an established land trust in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

text: Biodiversity inventories in high gear: DNA barcoding facilitates a rapid biotic survey of a temperate nature reserve Comprehensive biotic surveys, or ‘all taxon biodiversity inventories’ (ATBI), have traditionally been limited in scale or scope due to the complications surrounding specimen sorting and species identification. To circumvent these issues, several ATBI projects have successfully integrated DNA barcoding into their identification procedures and witnessed acceleration in their surveys and subsequent increase in project scope and scale. The Biodiversity Institute of Ontario partnered with the rare Charitable Research Reserve and delegates of the 6th International Barcode of Life Conference to complete its own rapid, barcode-assisted ATBI of an established land trust in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

year: 2015-08-30

title: Through the eyes of whānau: Destruction of cultural identity through education

authors: Ngaamo, Raewyn Brenda

subjects: Māori

abstract: This thesis examines how the schooling experiences of a dual cultural heritage whānau influenced the development of their identity, their language and culture across three generations. Koro, Tuakana, Teina and Moko share their experiences with us and through these stories reveal how they were forced through the colonising beliefs and practices of schooling to reshape themselves in a bid to belong. The compromise and abuse of cultural identity in wider society, replicated and validated in schooling, created a vicious and dehumanising experience for each of them. School was a major site of assimilation for this whānau. They experienced racism, rejection, low expectations and cultural disconnection across the three generations. They suffered particularly as dual heritage children who experienced rejection and racial micro aggressions from both Pākehā and Māori alike. Instead of education being a means to realise their potential and to achieve success it was actually the vehicle for the destruction of their cultural identity.

text: Through the eyes of whānau: Destruction of cultural identity through education This thesis examines how the schooling experiences of a dual cultural heritage whānau influenced the development of their identity, their language and culture across three generations. Koro, Tuakana, Teina and Moko share their experiences with us and through these stories reveal how they were forced through the colonising beliefs and practices of schooling to reshape themselves in a bid to belong. The compromise and abuse of cultural identity in wider society, replicated and validated in schooling, created a vicious and dehumanising experience for each of them. School was a major site of assimilation for this whānau. They experienced racism, rejection, low expectations and cultural disconnection across the three generations. They suffered particularly as dual heritage children who experienced rejection and racial micro aggressions from both Pākehā and Māori alike. Instead of education being a means to realise their potential and to achieve success it was actually the vehicle for the destruction of their cultural identity.

year: 2019