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| December 2007-April 2008
Volume 2, Issue 2
| | First Nations' Futures Program Newsletter Ke Alaula: The Dawning | | | | | | | Aloha,
E nga mana, e nga reo, e karangatanga maha, tena koutou tena koutou, tena tatou katoa.
 Some of the fellows, family and friends from the Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe take time to capture the moment at Lake Taupo during the 2008 Aotearoa Project on tribal economic development.
Tena tatou katoa. Welcome to this, our first issue of Ke Alaula for 2008. We hope that you enjoy reading about the 2008 Aotearoa project which focused on tribal economic development. Again, we express our deep gratitude to our Maori hosts during the project - Ngai Tahu and Ngati Tuwharetoa. Kamehameha Schools looks forward to hosting the fellows for the Hawai`i Project this June. Arohanui.
Mawae Morton. FNFP Co-Director. | | News
* FNFP has recently opened the Hawai'i application process for 2008/2009. The Hawai'i fellows application has been made available on April 15th on the Kamehameha Schools Admissions application page. The application process will run to May 31, 2008 (post-marked). For more information on the program, feel free to browse FNFPs main webpage.
Spread the word to those whom you feel qualify, and moreover, to those who exude the culture and would serve as outstanding representatives of our indigenous community.
* The FNFP Hawai'i Project is slated to kick-off on 8 June and run through 28 June, 2008. This year's Hawai'i Project will focus on Food Systems value chain analysis, as the fellows will concentrate on putting together a project report and forum that centers around a progress towards food sovereignty. Please continue to check the official FNFP website for updates on schedule.
* Layne Richards ('07 Fellow) recently wrote an article for Kamehameha Schools' I Mua magazine, speaking of the importance of FNFP in developing indigenous leaders. He gives his personal account of his experience in the program. The write-up serves as an overall positive endorsement of the program and validates the FNFP's efforts to see its mission through. Click here for a link to the I Mua magazine. Layne's article can be found on page 7, and a brief write-up from Kamehameha Schools' CEO Dee Jay Mailer (endorsing the importance of the program and leadership growth, in general) can be found on page 2.
| Aotearoa Project
Te Wai Pounamu
The FNFP's 2007/2008 year schedule is as follows: a two-week intensive Institute held at Stanford University, followed by two-part place based projects (Aotearoa and Hawai'i) and an executive case study (time permitting). After being prepped at the Institute, the fellows were well aware of the high expectations, and thus, heavy workload that await them out in the field.
This year, Aotearoa again was the first stop within the series (7 February through 2 March 2008). Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu served as gracious hosts to the fellows, who would concentrate their energies to put together a project and forum of Tribal Economies. The itinerary was well planned by the Ngai Tahu fellows (Kari, Aimee, and Rangimarie), as they set up talks, lectures, interactive workshops, case study groupwork sessions and the main forum, to focus on the subject matter. A continuous workload coupled with numerous site visitations kept the fellows constantly active.
 The Fellows and administrators at Ngai Tahu Headquarters
The project spanned the spectrum: People focused; Environmental focused; Economic focused -- these three key themes of the Aotearoa Project enveloped the whole experience and encouraged the fellows to explore the importance of each theme within a Tribal Economy.
Having been whisked off to Awarua, Rakiura, Queenstown, Christchurch and Wellington all within a short three-week time period, the fellows got to take in a lot of Aotearoa. The program's intensity didn't necessarily allow for a vacationing mindset, however, the driven purpose to prepare a deliverable on Tribal Economies was well supplemented with these site explorations.
The Project's climax came with the Aotearoa Forum. The primary focus of the Forum was to "influence tribal thinking around economic development, in particular challenging current paradigms," and it was achieved in part. The challenge now is to have the efforts of this short time period have a lasting resonance.
 The FNFP group meets with the Minister of Maori Development, Hon. Parekura Horomia and advisors at the New Zealand Parliament buildings
| Aotearoa Forum - Tribal Economies
Mō tātou a mō kā uri ā muri ake nei
The Tribal Economies Forum was held February 23-24, and holding true to the vision of Ngai Tahu: "For us and for our future," the added emphasis was on the outlook of the next generation. In parts sponsored by Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, MANU-AO (Maori Academic Network across Universities in Aotearoa), and Te Puni Kokiri, the forum brought together some of the leaders on the forefront of Tribal Economics. Distinguished guest speakers included: Brian Easton (Independent Scholar, Statistician/Economist), Tumanako Wereta (Chairman, Tuaropaki Trust), Chief Judge Joe Williams (Chief Judge, Maori Land Court), Neil Hannahs (Director, Land Asset Development - Kamehameha Schools), Dave Mannix (Forestry Manager for Economic Development, Snuneymuxw First Nation), Ngahiwi Tomoana (Chairman, Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated), Mawae Morton (Strategic Resources Manager, Land Assets Division - Kamehameha Schools), Anake Goodall (CEO, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu), and our very own FNFP Fellows. Ta Tipene O'Regan (former Chairman, Ngai Tahu Maori Trust Board) served as keynote speaker, delivering a lasting, moving message.
 The following words were written by Sir Tipene O'Regan to give context to the Tribal Economies - The Next Generation Forum.
"If a tribal economy which is inter-generationally sustainable is to be achieved, it will never be accomplished by simply imitating the norms or the mantras of the surrounding models of liberal capitalism. The central concepts are fundamentally opposed to each other. Although we sail the same ocean, our voyaging requires different horizons and our own systems of navigation."
"If we merely imitate and emulate we will end up on the comfortable shores of privatised welfare - dependent on corporations which we nominally own but which in fact own us."
-- Sir Tipene O'Regan, February 2008
To view Sir Tipene's entire speech please follow this link to the Massey University website in New Zealand. Sir Tipene delivered his keynote address as part of a series of speeches he was presenting on behalf of MANU-AO, an inter-university network for Maori scholars. Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu extends its thanks to Te Kingi Kani of MANU-AO, for sponsoring Sir Tipene's address; for co-sponsoring the forum cocktails; and for permission for this video link to be advertised in this FNFP newsletter.
Group shot immediately following a successful forum
| Reflection & Expectation
A look back and ahead -- from the fellow's perspective
In the words of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu Fellow: Kari Austin
 Aotearoa Experience.
It was an absolute privilege to have been able to welcome our Hawaiian cousins to Aotearoa, and share with them our land, our people and our culture. However, as I have come to learn, with privilege comes responsibility!!! I think we (the Ngāi Tahu fellows) underestimated the time and energy it would take to organize the Aotearoa case study (ACS), and ensure that everything ran smoothly. This side of things was quite a challenge for me personally, and for my Ngāi Tahu counterparts. However, as one of our well-known whakataukī (proverbial sayings) says:
Mā pango, mā whero, ka oti te mahi With your efforts and my efforts, the work will get done
Thus, I would like to thank my two colleagues from the bottom of my heart for being the strong wahine toa that they are, and ensuring the success of the Ngāi Tahu leg of this journey. An especially huge mihi to Puamiria who was our rock, and without whom none of this would have been possible. You ladies are an inspiration and it warms my heart to know that our people are in such good hands. After the fatigue of the ACS wore off I can honestly say that it was a really positive experience for me. It is ironic that it sometimes takes visitors from afar to compel us to take the time to stop and appreciate the world that we live in every day. I never expected to learn as much as I did about my own land, history and people... and all in my own back yard!!! I never expected to be so inspired by our own people, people that I see every day and often take for granted. For me, this was a hugely humbling experience.
What you'll most likely take away from the experiences
If the ACS has taught me one thing, it is this: It is ok to look afar for solutions to the issues that we face, but we must never forget that often the answers are right in front of us!!! We must never forget the amazing potential that exists within our people, and within each and every one of us. Our people posses the skills, intelligence and capacity required to lead us towards the distant horizon. The challenge is in recognizing that they are there, and empowering them to step up.
Expectations for Hawai'i Project
I am looking forward to finally being able to see the beautiful lands, rivers and ocean that I have heard so much about from my Hawaiian colleagues. I am also looking forward to seeing the Hawaiian Fellows in their own environment and meeting the people who have contributed to making them the amazing people that they are. I am also, believe it or not, looking forward to a lot of hard work!!! Bring on the mahi I say!!!
In the words of Stanford Fellow: Mehana Blaich-Vaughan
 I was only able to attend the Christchurch portion, a short segment of the amazing and full Aotearoa field experience. However, I am thankful for each moment. Mahalo especially to na wahine o Ngai Tahu - Puamiria, Rangimarie, Kari Moana, and Aimee for all their gracious hosting, thorough planning, and ability to handle anything that came their way with a smile. For me, it was a great lesson just watching these women work together.
I was also awed by Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu. The building itself is stunning, the use of hana no'eau Maori - carving, printing, etching, symbols, lovingly crafted and beautiful on every door way, letter head, window and logo, so that each feels simultaneously innovative and old. Then the people of Te Runanga; the chance to meet with them and hear about the work they do, the accomplishments, the challenges they see ahead, their respect for one another, and most of all, their dedication to their people. I was reminded often of Judge Joe and John Osorio's workshop at Stanford on leadership and the qualities of ali'i, working humbly in service to their greatest treasure, "my people, my people, my people."
Our Hawai'i fellows couldn't say enough about the generous aloha of the 'ohana of Teawarua in sharing their beautiful home, their islands, precious foods, and marae. Aloha from Teawarua followed the group to the forum in Christchurch, to our final meal at Te Runanga, and all the way home to Hawai'i in the exquisite kete, each with its own pattern and message woven for us by Aunty Hana.
One highlight was the forum. I left with a far greater understanding of both the opportunities many Maori tribes are pursuing in global capitalism and investments, and the great challenges and lessons of navigating these roads with one's values and people well cared for. Mainly, I was impressed by the thoughtfulness and honesty of the speakers, and the importance of both qualities as we navigate our own related paths in Hawai'i.
It also struck me that the New Zealand participants, from all over Aotearoa, seemed to deeply enjoy the forum, and getting to spend time with one another. While most of the speakers and lessons were entirely new to us visitors, I also heard many Maori say how much they felt they'd learned from what other tribes are doing. I felt that many new ideas and friendships grew over those two short days.
Again, mahalo e na lima i huli i lalo e ho'omakaukau ai i 'ia mau hana. We were truly humbled by the lokomaika'i (tremendous generosity) of our Maori cousins. Hamama 'ia ka 'ipuka me ke aloha. We very much look forward to their visit to Hawai'i nei.
In the words of Ngai Tahu Fellow: Aimee Kaio
 The highlight of the Aotearoa Project for me was welcoming and hosting the fellows, Neil, Winona and Thomas to my home, Awarua. Beginning the journey in Awarua set the scene for the programme - the Te Rau Aroha Marae experience with our people (our culture), the excursion to Rakiura and Te Wharawhara (our environment) and then on to Queenstown (our economy). We were also fortunate to have Ta Tipene O'Regan speak to us on a number of occasions to give an overview of Ngai Tahu and a view of Tribal Economy in Aotearoa and Globally.
Our time in Christchurch together was excellent. We all worked extremely hard to pull together a Tribal Economy Forum that would be informative, fun and inspiring for our current and future leaders. Well, the forum was all of that and much much more. I am still receiving great feedback from whanau that attended the forum; they were all 'very impressed'.
For me, I have gained a great deal from the Aotearoa experience. I have a greater understanding of Ngai Tahu, where we are now and the 'vision' for where we are going; I have a more defined understanding of Leadership Yesterday, Leadership Now and Future Leadership; and, I have a greater appreciation for all of our leaders within our runanga and marae. I have grown closer to all of the fellows. We have all shared many thoughts, stories and discussions on an array of issues - it was great 'talking lots of story' . . .
I am extremely excited about coming to Hawai'i to be with the fellowship again, to engage in and research an interesting topic, and to meet the beautiful environment and people.
In the words of Kamehameha Fellow: Esther Kia'aina
 It is nice to know that cultural heritage continues to thrive and survive in the Pacific Islands. The First Nations' Futures Program's Aotearoa Case Study on Tribal Economies in February reaffirmed my belief that there is reason to have hope for our future in Hawai'i and elsewhere in the Pacific on the important parallel issues facing our communities -- the preservation and revitalization of our native languages and cultures, respect for our ancestors, continuance of our customary and traditional practices, and the role that land and natural resources play in strengthening our foundation as native peoples.
What I took away from my experience in Aotearoa is that despite the impact of colonization and westernization, the Maori people are doing everything they can to survive in their respective communities, sometimes with great success and sometimes against great odds. From the impressive backgrounds and wonderful friendships of our Maori fellows and hosts and the places we visited (Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff, Rakiura (Stewart Island), Ulva Island, Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington, Taupo) to the dynamic speakers throughout our journey, including at the University of Canterbury, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, our forum on Tribal Economies, the Ministry of Maori Affairs, Te Papa Tongarewa, and the National Insitute of Water & Atmospheric Research, just to name a few, it was rejuvenating to view first-hand what our cousins in Aotearoa are doing, experiencing, and living.
My overall experience strengthened my own sense of cultural identity and pride and gave me a broader perspective on the long-term economic and political challenges of other indigenous peoples in Polynesia. For most of my adult and professional life, I have focused on self-determination and resolution of land issues among Native Hawaiians, American Indians, Alaska Natives, the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States of Micronesia. Because of our shared Polynesian roots, learning about Aotearoa hit home for me in a personal and cultural way. The experience, the voices, the songs, the beauty, and the people of Aotearoa are now ingrained in my soul and have become a part of me. Collectively, that only enriches my own journey in life and my continuing commitment to better serve our Hawaiian community.
I look forward to continuing our First Nations' Futures Fellowship in Hawai'i and wish to share our experiences, hopes, dreams, successes, and challenges as Native Hawaiians with our Maori fellows in June.
| What are they up to now?
Updates from some of our past/present FNFP Fellows
 Kari Moana Austin ('08 FNFP, NT Fellow)
A congratulations goes out to Kari for being heavily recruited by Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu at the end of last year, being offered and accepting her new position as Policy Advisor in the Strategy and Influence Team.
Along with her new title comes added responsibilities. As well as giving directed support to the General Manager Strategy and Influence, Kari is accountable for key research and analysis, policy development, operational leadership and effectiveness -- all specifically focused in the main area the team works in, Corporate Governance. Kari now has a sense of all the high level strategy and policies for Te Runanga.
 Brett Ellison ('07 FNFP, NT Fellow) After completing the program last year, Brett was recruited by Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation (NTHC), the tribe's commercial arm, and appointed to the important role of Business Analyst.
Although Brett was reluctant to highlight his appointment, according to Andrew Harrison, head of the NTHC, Brett has done a great job of reviewing the corporation's commercial portfolio using value chain analysis.
 Noa Lincoln ('07 FNFP, KS Fellow)
After submiting his application, late last calendar year, to the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Environment and Resources (IPER) at Stanford University to pursue his PhD, Fellow Noa was informed that he made the exclusive and highly competitive list of 11 finalists. He was then informed that only 6 individuals would be selected into the program, and he'd have to prepare for the face-to-face interview process (which was held 7-8 February). As of the first week of March, Noa heard back from Stanford, and he was kind enough to relay the message that he was offered one of the positions.
Noa also shares with us:
"So, while I am currently teaching for both the Bishop Museum and the U.H. Forest TEAM, I will most likely be starting my PhD at Stanford in September. Included is a full fellowship that pays for all tuition as well as a living stipend for the five year duration. It seems I will be working closely with at least Peter Vitousek and Gretchen Daily, and I'm sure others as well."
He continues, "My primary project would potentially be working with Peter Vitousek (FNFP Co-Director) on the Hawaiian dryland field systems of Kohala, Hawai'i. The connection to FNFP is undeniable, as my relationship with Peter Vitousek was truly forged during the course of the Fellowship. The Fellowship also reminded me how much I enjoyed many aspects of the academic world, and I would very possibly not have been interested in applying to higher education without the FNFP experience."
Congratulations, Noa! We are all proud of your accomplishments thus far and look forward to your future research, which will undoubtedly benefit us all.
For a short, informative video about Stanford University's IPER, click here (source: Stanford Video).
 Daniel Naho'opi'i ('07 FNFP, KS Fellow)
Daniel continues to be an asset to our state of Hawai'i in his role as the Chief in the Tourism Research Branch within the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Staying busy is not an issue, as Daniel puts it: "With the changes in the global economy, tourism research has been in high demand to help industry identify new market targets and adjust product offerings. So, my staff and I have been busy managing new research and trying to put out additional data and reports."
Daniel also continues to work on the board of Hawai'i Maoli, where he recently led a search committee for a new Executive Director, flew out to Alaska for the Annual Civic Club Convention, and wrote numerous grant applications in order to raise funds to develop their new community center in Kapolei.
Daniel mentions that things are definitely looking up as "we received an HTA grant to do a Directory of Traditional Practitioners and we'll hear soon about a grant from National Geographic to support our efforts to care for wahi pana."
Daniel and his team are constantly looking for help in hired position work or volunteers. If interested, please visit DBEDT's website for available positions, or email us and we'll put you in touch with Daniel.
 Hokuao Pellegrino ('08 FNFP, KS Fellow)
Congratulations to Hokuao for recently accepting a position as a Program Specialist and Coordinator for Kamehameha Schools' Enrichment Department in their Ho'olauna Exploration Series. Hokuao is now responsible for developing curriculum for Maui's place-based cultural education sites as well as stengthening community partnerships - an area he excels in and loves.
 Layne Richards ('07 FNFP, KS Fellow)
Layne continues to inspire young Hawaiians as a high school teacher at Kamehameha-Hawai'i. Among his schedule overload is biology, ethnobotany, senior research seminar, and Ke 'Ano (character education). As he puts it, "everything is great. I truly am trying to integrate all that I gained from the fellowship into my classroom. I made several presentations about the experience. It has proven to be especially useful in teaching my senior research class. The leadership skills, interactive experiences, and fond memories will never be forgotten."
 Of even higher priority in Layne's life now is the new addition to his family. As of 7:21 a.m., Saturday March 22, new born Te Paki o Matariki made Layne and Kahi proud, new parents. Aspirations of professional football, basketball and/or baseball will come in time, but for now Layne is simply "thrilled to be enjoying him during spring break". Baby Boy Richards is pictured doing something both mommy and daddy only hold fond memories of -- sleeping. Baby Richards is a splitting image of his daddy, don't you think?
| Looking Ahead: Hawai'i Project
Food Systems Analysis
The fellows will reconvene in Hawai'i from 8 June to 28 June 2008. The topic of concern will be Food Systems Analysis in progression towards food sovereignty. The hope is to build a best practices model that can serve as an effective, workable blueprint. For this phase of the program, Kamehameha Schools will return the favor to Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu by serving as gracious hosts in their backyard.
FNFP is excited to continue these research efforts while building stronger leaders for our indigenous communities.
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Mawae Morton
First Nations' Futures Program, Co-Director
Puamiria Parata-Goodall
Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu
Nalani Dahl
'08 Fellow, Editor
B.J. Awa
Editor
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Lake Taupo Carving
|  The fellows strike a pose with some of the performers at Ko T āne | | | | | | | First Nations' Futures Program | Attn. Mawae Morton | 567 S.King Street | Honolulu | HI | 96813 | 
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