Uplifted and inspired. It is always so great to be amongst our people, especially other civic clubs who are engaged in the invigorating work of uplifting our people.
Our congratulations to Aunty Margaret Sanborn and everyone at Pacific American Academy for receiving a $495,000.00 grant which will provide health care and access to our Native Hawaiian children and their families, accessible through their campus. Awesome work! Totally inspiring!
There were so many amazing things that came our of our most recent Mainland Council Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs meeting in Las Vegas, much of which will be featured in our upcoming Spring issue of Na Leo `Oiwi, so be on the lookout for it!
Much closer to home, however, there are many things happening, and everyone can be a part of them! First off, there is a presentation on February 28th by local girl (both here in Utah and local of Hawai`i :) ) Hokulani Aikau! Entitled "Carry Your Culture On Your Canoe, Religion, Race and Sustainable Self Determination in Hawai`i" and she will be presenting at the University of Utah. No registration information given, I'm assuming that none is required.
Additionally, there is an upcoming conference specifically for Pacific Islanders, with the theme "Ke Ala I Kou Wa'a" or "The Path To Your Canoe" The purpose of the presentation is to discuss and explore ideas, methodologies, and best practices in the persistence and retention of Pacific Islander students in higher education. The event is free, but registration is required. Please also note that the event coordinators are aware of the mis-translation on the flyer. Mahalo.
Another event that is not only happening in our community, but also which we are participating in, is the upcoming 'Ohana Saturday through Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana and will be at the Hawaiian Cultural Center in Midvale. This year's theme is "Live for You, Live for Us", focusing on Pacific Islander health. There will be free health screenings for the whole family! Games, Food, Entertainment! It's also a FREE event, and open to the entire community. Come check us out! We'll be selling musubis and baked goods such as mochi cake, chantilly topped cream puffs and more as a club fundraiser! All of our proceeds go towards sustaining our cultural programs and activities for our community.
Please also note that G. E. Kawika Allen is requesting the participation of our Pacific Islanders here in Utah to complete a survey! Here is what he's asking:
My name is G. E. Kawika Allen, Ph.D and I am an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Southern Utah University. I am conducting a study on Polynesians related to religiosity and psychological well being.
There is a significant lack of research on Polynesians in general. The Polynesian community has been an underrepresented cultural group in the U.S. and has particularly been poorly documented in the academic arenas. I believe that we, as Polynesians need to increase the knowledge base of others who are different from us about our culture, people, ambitions, aspirations, and family system. Through this study we hope to advance the multicultural research and literature by specifically including more accurate knowledge and information about Polynesian individuals. This study can also give a voice to Polynesian communities in Utah, and help others understand the uniqueness of this specific group and how they experience life with regard to religiosity and psychological well being.
I am asking for your help to invite all Polynesians you may know over the age of 18 residing in the state of Utah to participate in this study. This is an anonymous study and participation is voluntary. Please use the following link to access
the study:
You can either click on the link or copy and paste it into your
internet browser. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes. We hope that you will find this study to be thought provoking, stimulating and enriching. Southern Utah University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) has approved this stud
y. If you have any questions you may contact the prim
ary investigator, Dr. G. E. Kawika Allen at 435-865-8253.
And lastly, as this has already been a LONG post, as a fundraiser, our club also has a few copies of "Lena Machado, Songbird of Hawai`i: My memories of Aunty Lena" by Pi`olani Motta (her hanai daughter) and Kihei DeSilva. Included in the book are 30 of Aunty Lena's compositions which include 10 that have never before been released, photos, glimpses into her life and the events that inspired some of her songs, and more. Typically sold across the internet and in Hawai`i for $24.95, we have it available to you for a mere $20.00. If interested, just email us at huihawaiioutah (at) yahoo (dot) com
Our club has a few projects in the works for our community and we're eagerly anticipating confirmation of a few key items and look forward to sharing it with you! Until then, mahalo nunui, malama pono!
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