Join in on a celebration of kapa maker Page Chang and ‘Ewa historian Shad Kane with the screening of “Mo‘o ‘Ōlelo: Life Stories of Cultural Practitioners,” two documentaries premiering 5 to 7 p.m. April 18 at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu’s Academy for Creative Media outdoor screening area.
The documentaries explore the ways in which these loea (experts) live and embody ‘ike Hawai‘i (Hawaiian knowledge) and mo‘olelo, event organizers said.
“Uncle Shad is a pillar in the ‘Ewa moku, making significant contributions to the history, names, and wahi pana of the entire moku from Hālawa to Honouliuli, while Page is a trailblazer and innovator in kapa, combining traditional and modern practices with sustainability,” said Kawena Komeiji, Hawaiian Pacific Resources Librarian at the James & Abigail Campbell Library.
She continued, “We can all learn so much from these loea, which will help us to make responsible decisions for the future of Hawaiʻi and the perpetuation of Native Hawaiian culture, arts, language, and history.”
Through a Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities grant, the “Mo‘o ‘Ōlelo: Life Stories of Cultural Practitioners” team has started capturing the mo‘olelo of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners.
According to organizers, “The life stories of these cultural practitioners entail the lived experiences of mo‘o ‘ōlelo, giving us a window into the continuity of knowledge and practice, sustaining our collective existence in the present and guiding us into the future.”
The event is open to UH West O‘ahu students, faculty, and staff, and the general public. Attendees are recommended to bring:
- Blanket or mat (chairs may block the views of other attendees; a few chairs will be available for kūpuna)
- Food (there will be some pūpū to snack on, but attendees are welcome to bring dinner)
- Umbrella (this is a rain-or-shine event)
- Please note: Alcohol is not allowed on UH West Oʻahu campus grounds.
The event is free, but registration is recommended for an accurate headcount. Please register at go.hawaii.edu/DTn.