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 Place-Based 

Culturally Responsive

Building pilina, connection to Hawai`i through `ike ku`una, foundational Hawaiian knowledge, has grounded and inspired the Kūpa`a Collective start-up team to navigate a path through these uncharted waters.  There are multiple perspectives to the meaning of place-based education.  Within this space, we wanted to focus on building an intimate connection to Hawai`i by learning from its rich past.   From before SARS-CoV-2 became a worldwide pandemic, we were inspired by the courageous, steadfast, aloha-filled leadership of Princess Lili`uokalani.  When faced with the1881 smallpox epidemic, she decisively closed the ports to keep her native people safe and protected.  This is just one example of how throughout her life, Lili`uokalani stood `onipa`a, steadfast, rooted in the deep aloha she possessed for her `āina and her people.   This aloha drove her kūpono decision making--her people’s lives mattered.   She put their lives--protecting her people, putting their  health and well being-- at the forefront of the positions she took.  Queen Lili`uokalani is a shining light of resilience.  The fact that she is still held dear to so many we believe, is a testament to this resilience.  It is our hope that just as she inspired us to take a collective call to action, that she will inspire you… Mahalo for joining us on this place-based journey.   We honor Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha--Queen Lili`uokalani and dedicate our work in perpetuating all that she stood for then because it is just as relevant now, and will holomua, continue forward into perpetuity.   May the light of her torch burn bright and her motto,  “E onipa`a..i ka `imi na`auao, be steadfast in the seeking of knowledge” live on.  E ola mau.  

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Lawe li'ili'i ka make a ka Hawai'i,
lawe nui ka make a ka haole

Death by Hawaiians takes a few at a
time; death by foreigners takes many.

`Ōlelo No`eau #1960, Pūku`i

The eight lessons in this place-based curriculum begin in the past and connect to the present. We hope they provide ways to bring ancestral wisdom and experiences to guide decisions being made in the present that preserve and protect Hawaii’s peoples, with special and heightened care in looking out for its cherished hulu kūpuna.

E onipa`a kākou...

 E kūpa`a kakou!  Let’s stand together, steadfast, and navigate through these uncharted waters...Hiki nō!  We can do it!

Mahalo  nui  loa  for  visiting!

Medical disclaimer:  The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.   Kupa`a Collective makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

©2020 by Kūpaʻa Collective.

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