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| August 2008 - December 2008
Volume 3, Issue 1
| | First Nations' Futures Program Newsletter Ke Alaula: The Dawning | | | | | FNFP Directors | 
Mawae Morton
Peter Vitousek
Neil Hannahs
| | Aloha,
E nga mana, e nga reo, e karangatanga maha, tena koutou tena koutou, tena tatou katoa. He mihi hoki ki a tatou i runga i te ahuatanga o te wa, mo te tau hou.  Pictured above, FNFP group (left to right): Kama Dancil (Kamehameha); Mawae Morton (Co-director); Keola Nakanishi (Kamehameha); Nick Francisco (Kamehameha); Rangimarie Mules (Ngai Tahu); Jason Jeremiah (Kamehameha); Renee Young (Taranaki); Manaia Cunningham (Ngai Tahu); Jocelyn M-Doane (Kamehameha); Riki Ellison (Ngai Tahu); Rangimarie Parata Takurua ('07-'08 Ngai Tahu). We send best wishes to you all for the new year and hope that 2009 is a rich and rewarding one for us all. This issue of Ke Alaula showcases our incoming cohort of fellows for 2008/09 and shares many aspects, both programmatic and personal, of the 2008 First Nations' Futures Institute held at Stanford University. In this issue we also look forward to the next journey for our fellows, the Aotearoa place based project, to be hosted in February 2009 by the Ngai Tahu and Nga Rauru tribes. Your continued interest and support for the First Nations' Futures Program is much appreciated by all of us involved in the program.
Mawae Morton. FNFP Co-Director. | | | News * We welcome Keola Nakanishi to the FNFP 'ohana. He has accepted the role of program manager, and is in charge of setting the strategic path of the program and overseeing its day-to-day success. Keola is also one of the five Kamehameha Fellows in the program this year. * The fellows anxiously await the second leg of the program, the Aotearoa Project. The Maori Fellows are in the midst of final preparations in what promises to be a valuable research focus: commercial, customary and recreational fisheries issues. The project will run from 8-28 February, 2009. * The Fellows headed off to Stanford University to take part in the First Nations' Futures Institute, an intensive two-week academic course study from 5-18 October. Stanford University Professors and leading experts from various fields - such as indigenous leadership, business, communication, culture, and resource management - comprised the faculty of the Institute. | Introducing ...
Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu Fellow: Manaia Cunningham
 Manaia is a young, adventurous Ngāi Tahu tāne. As a father of two, Manaia enjoys quality time with his children, Tāmati 5 and Amelia 3. During the summer months, they particularly enjoy spending their time outdoors at the family batch in Port Levy.
Manaia has been a Primary School teacher of Social Sciences at Spreydon Primary since 2003. He holds a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (BTchLN) and is continuing his studies for a Post Graduate Diploma in Bilingual and Immersion teaching. Currently, Manaia is the Treasurer for Te Runanga o Koukourārata, supporting the runanga by developing an Aquaculture Academy programme. Manaia enjoys many outdoor activities and holds a Certificate in Outdoor Education and Outdoor Adventure. He also enjoys regular exercise and is an ambitious golfer.
Kamehameha Fellow: Kamakani Dancil
 Kamakani "Kama" Dancil is Kama'āina o Makawao. He is the Land Asset Manager for Kamehameha Schools' Land Assets Division. His kuleana include KS' lands in the moku of Ka'u, Kohala, South Kona and Mauka Kona. In his prior position (Forester) with Forest Solutions Inc., he was responsible for managing the Prutimber tree farm on KS' lands near Pāhala and the implementation of conservation stewardship in Keauhou, Ka'u.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Forest Management from Colorado State University. Kama has used his education and experience to support the development of silvicultural methods in managing plantation koa. Although many expert opinions doubt the success of plantation koa, Kama is unwilling to concede to the results of past attempts.
"He 'a'ali'i ku makani mai au; 'a'ohe makani nana e kula'i."
"I am a wind-resisting 'a'ali'i; no gale can push me over."
- Pukui, 'Ōlelo No'eau
We have the opportunity to positively influence the future for the next generation of stewards. We are in the era of creating abundance in resources and options.
Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu Fellow: Riki Ellison
 Riki Ellison is a well educated and knowledgeable Ngāi Tahu tāne. Riki has a strong awareness of the needs and aspirations of Ngāi Tahu whānui through his upbringing and family connections, and through raising his own children. He has also had the opportunity to work with whanauka from Kamehameha Schools as a guest presenter at the initial First Nations' Futures Institute and also being involved in the establishment of the FNFP.
Currently working in a dual role as both Maori Development Manager and Policy Manager with Aquaculture New Zealand, Riki has a strong desire to make a positive personal contribution to Maori achieving success through involvement in this industry.
Riki also served as Private Secretary - Environment, working directly with the Minister for the Environment of New Zealand. Among his various interests, he holds in especially high esteem the ideal that perspectives of the Maori are an important part in agenda setting for the government and should be incorporated in a movement towards national standards, policy, and priorities.
Kamehameha Fellow: Nicholas Francisco
 My name is Nicholas Donald Kalamakani Francisco. I am very grateful and honored to have the opportunity to participate in the First Nations' Futures Program. I look forward to learning and becoming an instrument of positive change for the Hawaiian community. I am a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama and Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Los Angeles, CA. At LMU, I received a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Civilizations with a minor in Music, as well as a Masters of Arts in Education.
I am a co-founder and director of Ho`ai Hawai`i, a not-for-profit organization aimed at teaching native Hawaiian youth hands-on organic dryland kalo cultivation. Both the kalo and poi produced by the students participating in our program are donated to our Hawaiian kupuna and surrounding communities. Our goal is to re-establish Hawai`i's sustainable agricultural independence starting from the community and family level; as well as to strengthen Hawaiian health, values, and cultural identity.
I am an advocate for Hawaiian culture, values and rights. I passionately believe that protecting and preserving our lands and natural resources, as our ancestors skillfully managed before us, is of paramount importance in order to sustain the life and traditions of our proud and industrious people. I value the advice, experience and wisdom of my ancestors and elders. I believe that by looking to the past we can find answers to all of life's contemporary issues and challenges.
I love and value my family and their unending support of all my endeavors and dreams. My main inspiration and source of strength is my love, my partner and co-founder of Ho`ai Hawai`i, Kaleo`onalani of the Manuwa `Ohana. She has blessed me with her everlasting love and with our strong and healthy son, Kalamakua - to whom I dedicate all my work and any good I accomplish. My son serves as a constant reminder of the pressing need to make a positive change in Hawai`i for the future of all our children.
Kamehameha Fellow: Jason Jeremiah
 Jason Alapaki Jeremiah was born and raised in Kailua, O'ahu, and graduated from the Kamehameha Schools, Kapālama Campus in 2000. Jason earned his B.A. in Hawaiian Studies from Kamakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa in 2004. He has finished his coursework for a Masters' in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, and is currently working on his Masters' thesis on kuleana water rights in Nā Wai 'Ehā.
Jason is currently working at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as a Policy Advocate in Land and Historic Preservation with the Native Rights, Land, and Culture Hale. He also manages and maintains OHA's Geographic Informatoin System (GIS). His advocacy work at OHA includes oversight of federal, state, county, and private actions that impact traditional and customary rights, historic sites, iwi kupuna, and cultural practices. In his capacity at OHA, Jason has conducted many community-based mapping projects which aim to introduce and educate the youth and community on Geographic Position System (GPS) and GIS technologies.
Jason interned at the Kamehameha Schools, Land Assets Division from 2006-2007 as a Land Legacy Database Intern and a Land Information Systems Intern. Jason has also volunteered with the `Ahahui Mālama i ka Lōkahi, a community group charged with the environmental and cultural restoration of Kawainui Marsh in Kailua, O'ahu. He is also a coach with the Boys and Girls Volleyball programs at the Kamehameha Schools, Kapālama Campus.
Kamehameha Fellow: Jocelyn M-Doane
 BBA, 2002, Shidler College of Business; JD, magna cum laude, William S. Richardson School of Law ("WSRSL"), 2007; MBA, Shidler College of Business, 2008. After receiving her BBA, Jocelyn worked at her high school alma mater (Mililani High School) in the Business Department, teaching general business courses. She was then accepted into the WSRSL as a student in 2004. During law school, she served as an alaka'i for 'Ahahui o Hawai'i, the Native Hawaiian law student organization. She also completed an externship with the honorable Hawaii State Senator Clayton Hee, where she researched Native Hawaiian and Environmental law for a project on Moloka'i. In 2005 she entered into a dual-degree JD/MBA program with the Shidler College of Business.
Benefiting from the establishment of Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law and the efforts of Assistant Professor Melody MacKenzie, Jocelyn became one of the first graduates to earn a Pacific Asian Legal Studies (PALS) Certificate with a Specialty in Native Hawaiian Law.
Jocelyn is a 2008-2009 fellow for Ka Huli Ao and working on creating a framework to identify, interview, and document oral histories of kupuna that have mana'o on traditional and customary practices.
Ngai Tahu Fellow: Rangimarie Mules
 Born and raised in the tranquil backdrop of Hokianga, my childhood is a memory of vibrancy and diversity. This start in life has carried me into my young adulthood where it is not only a passion, but is an innate sense of living. I have lived in a variety of environments, such as Hokianga, where my grandfather still resides on the family farm; Harihari, in South Westland; Collingwood, in Golden Bay; Dunedin, in Otago; and now Wellington, where I work as a Policy Analyst for Te Puni Kokiri, Ministry of Maori Development.
My whakapapa (genealogy) links me back to the ancestral mountains of Aoraki, Mt. Cook Ngai Tahu, Ngati Mamoe, Waitaha, and Taranaki (Te Atiawa). This inherited identity is the backbone behind my passion for our surroundings and the sustainable use of our resources. I believe that our ancestors were some of the most adaptable scientists and that their matauranga (knowledge) coupled with contemporary knowledge can offer a lot to how we develop and use natural resources. My passions lie within te reo Maori (Maori language) as the clothing for this diverse matauranga and the exploration of how the knowledge from the past can help better inform our practices of the present.
Kamehameha Fellow: Keola Nakanishi
 Keola's kupuna are native to Hawaii (especially Kohala), Japan, Guam, and Europe. He spent his keiki days in Nanakuli, and other areas of the Leeward side of O'ahu. Those he cites as his primary source of intellectual, cultural, and spiritual learning and inspiration are his 'ohana - especially his Tutu - along with 3 other kupuna that were pili (close) to him, all of whom have passed in recent years: Kupuna Margaret Aipoalani, 'Anakala Eddie Ka'anana, and Kumu Keola Lake.
Keola's formal education includes a BA in Economics (Occidental College), and an MA in Pacific Islands Studies (UH-Manoa), with an emphasis in Education. Other sources of learning, grounding, and inspiration include various lo'i (native gardens), loko i'a o He'eia (traditional fishpond), Kanehunamoku (traditional sailing canoe), learning oli (Kumu Lake), lomilomi (Kumu Keoho, Kumu Alvah) and weekly kanipila jam sessions held at his house ('98-'07). He also enjoys surfing, canoe surfing, and hiking.
In 1998, at age 23, he began visioning, planning and action toward founding Halau Ku Mana, a Hawaiian Public Charter School, which was the first startup charter school on O'ahu to receive its charter (December 2000). Halau Ku Mana is a community, culture and environment-based school serving 'opio grades 6-12, from its two original host communities - Papakolea and Maunalaha (the only 2 Hawaiian homesteads in Honolulu) as well as throughout O'ahu. 'Opio have been very responsive and successful with the real world, hands-on, interdisciplinary approach, with major improvements in attendance, academics, cultural grounding, and sense of service and leadership in their communities. In the 10 years since it began, Keola served as Director and Principal of the school. He recently shifted roles in becoming the Chair/President of Mana Maoli, a 501(c)3 non-profit, with a vision of community based education, sharing and pooling of resources, and sustainability. Mana Maoli's first and primary focus is to fulfill their vision through supporting and sustaining Halau Ku Mana. Keola was recognized nationally for his efforts with Mana Maoli and Halau Ku Mana as one of the 'Top 20 Leaders Under 30'.
Taranaki Fellow: Renée Young
 He korokio taku rerenga ki runga taku maunga kohatu ko Pootiki-a-Rehua.
Kareu te pewa ki te iti o Ngaa Rauru-kii-tahi te karapoti mai nei. Tuu mai raa te maunga me onaa mana, oona wehi, oona wana. Ka heke nei au ki runga ki ngaa wai riporipo o Waitootara awa.
Rere amio whenua taku turanga-riri, ko Tauranga Ika. Toona koke koorero "Ruaiti kaiponu maunu".
Nei raa taa raatou mokopuna, ko Renée Marina Te Kehu Young, e ngana nei ki te haapai i oo raatou wawata moemoea. Auee te matapoorehu! Teenaa katoa mai taatou.
I have spent all of my adult life working for my iwi, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, coming up through the ranks from receptionist. This was an exciting time to become involved in iwi development as I began during the Treaty Negotiations phase and saw the establishment of our post settlement governance entity, Te Kaahui o Rauru. I am currently in the management seat of the Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi social development subsidiary, Te Hapai Mauri Ltd.
I have been supported and aided in my development by my whanau, hapu and iwi and it is with this experience and my involvement at my marae that I attribute my in-depth understanding and empathy for the aspirations of Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi uri. I am passionate about seeing our people reach their potential and feel privileged to be involved in helping to do so.
I am a confident and enthusiastic young Ngaa Rauru wahine with a taane who puts up with my theatrics and parents who are impatiently waiting for mokopuna. I am studying part-time with a view to extending my management qualifications. When there is spare time, I love nothing better than to spend the day with my nephew fishing.
I am honoured to have been given this opportunity by my iwi and hope to use the knowledge and information gained through this experience to help achieve the long term vision of revitalisation of our Ngaa Rauru Kiitahitanga.
| 
We welcome the incoming cohort - buds destined to blossom full. | Program Year Expectations . . .
To demand the development and growth that is necessary for me to become a more positive influence; in carrying out the will of Ke Ali'i Pauahi and in the interactions I have with various communities. My hope is that I will develop the cultural and business skills necessary to validate my thoughts, values, and desires. At the same time, not limiting myself, I expect to achieve a level of confidence that will enable me to be open-minded and humble in the exploration and consideration of new ideas.
Experience in situations that are comprised of values, emotions, past and present hardship, adversity, culture will lead to true growth.
- Kama Dancil, Kamehameha Fellow
I see this fellowship as a priceless opportunity to gain knowledge from the various native groups whom are participating. I look forward to discussing the numerous issues facing all of our people. I also expect to learn from the historical attempts and successful solutions initiated by our native brothers and sisters in their struggles to perpetuate and preserve their cultures, lands, and native traditions. It is my hope that through our interactions and the exchanging of historical experiences and knowledge, that we will all emerge with new and expanded outlooks on the issues that we hope to address in our own communities.
- Nick Francisco, Kamehameha Fellow
In addition to working with other Hawaiians concerned about Hawaii, there is also much to learn from other native peoples, their communities, successes, and challenges. Indigenous peoples around the world are dealing with similar legal, social, and economic issues and I strongly believe we can gain from learning from each others' experiences. Kamehameha Schools' partnership with Maori iwi will provide invaluable opportunities for us to learn about a similar culture with similar issues, and I envision it will contribute to our personal and professional growth.
With this extraordinary gift, I expect each of us will walk away with a better sense of how we can fulfill our kuleana to our community and contribute to a better future for our people.
- Jocelyn M-Doane
This program is a unique opportunity to explore the binary between indigenous knowledge and more Western-based theories. It will not only inform and strengthen my academic development, but will also teach me about the progression of knowledge from theory to practice, where it can be used to better the life of people on the grass roots level. I see my role in this program as a representative of my iwi, hapu and whanau and that I take with me their knowledge, experience and aspirations.
- Ranigmarie Mules, Ngāi Tahu Fellow
Achieve something of positive value for the kanaka, 'āina, and kai here in Hawai'i and in Aotearoa.
Be challenged and engaged; learn and grow immensely from the interactions.
Create innoNative approaches, experiences, recommendations, and opportunities that demonstrate real world application of the 'ike gained during this fellowship and beyond.
- Keola Nakanishi, Kamehameha Fellow
Professionally, I hope to use the information and knowledge gained to increase the cultural, social and environmental development of my iwi. This is particularly relevant in my current job as General Manager of our iwi social development company.
On a personal level, I am excited about making connections and building relationships with other young people who have been identified as future leaders of their people. To be amongst other fellows who share in the passion and dedication I have to work towards a better world for our people can only be a truly inspirational and rewarding experience.
I hope that this opportunity for professional and personal development will develop me into a well balanced First Nations' leader and that my iwi will be proud of not only what I achieve during the programme but also the potential I will have to continue to give back to them well into the future.
- Renée Young
| First Nations' Futures Institute (FNFI)
Stanford University, October 2008
Yang and Yamazaki Environment and Energy Building -- Home of
First Nations' Futures Institute.
Each year the fellows are initiated into the program with the First Nations' Futures Institute (FNFI) held at Stanford University during the Fall. FNFI is a welcoming and essential introduction of extensive work hours during a two-week intensive study consisting of various lectures, presentations and dynamic learning experiences of disciplines necessary to satisfy undertaking the overall program's purpose. This year's proposed Aotearoa and Hawai'i Projects focuses on fisheries resources and ahupua'a land/community development, respectively, will serve as daunting but rewarding challenges for the fellows. It's the Institute's training that prepares the fellows well for the work ahead.
Second to none are the kumu who are entrusted to instill their mana'o of western and native thinking. It's a pleasure to once again bring together some of the leading experts in their respective areas of knowledge:
* Culture - (Papaku Makawalu) Pua Kanahele, Kalei Tsuha, Ku'ulei Kanahele, Mehana Hind, Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole
Stanford's Hui o Hawai'i perform for the fellows an 'oli that they composed.
Hui o Hawai'i is a Native Hawaiian culture-focused organization of Native Hawaiians and Hawaiians at heart that "strives to bring Hawaiian culture to the Stanford community." The Hui is affiliated with the Native American Cultural Center, and was a major part of the welcoming committee for our fellows. As a gift and symbol of lasting friendship, student members of Stanford's Hui o Hawai'i presented leis they made for this year's fellows at the Institute's graduation ceremony. A highlight of the ceremony again this year was the presentation of Native American blankets to the fellows by Thom Massey and Winona Simms.
The 2-week intensive Institute ended with a beautiful graduation ceremony in honor of the 9 fellows who completed the program. The ceremony opened with an inspirational keynote speech from Jon Osorio, who shared telling stories and songs that gave insights into the traits and attitudes of great indigenous leadership. Neil Hannahs (FNFP Co-Director) shared kind words about each of the fellows with the audience as they came up to receive their certificate of completion and various gifts from Jeff Koseff (Director, Woods Institute for the Environment) and Peter Vitousek (FNFP Co-Director), who served as the evening's master of ceremonies and provided the closing words. The food and company were unrivaled, and the fellows were very grateful to all those who took the time to recognize their achievement and wish them luck on the journey that remains.
FNFP fellows adorned with leis and Native American blankets presented to them by Winona Simms (Assistant Dean of Students and Director, Stanford Native American Cultural Center) and Thom Massey (Associate Dean of Student Affairs)
| Institute Reflections
We were welcomed to a distant land by the native people, the Muwekma Ohlone. Their Chochenyo language was foreign to my ears, but the message was clear. A circle was formed and people born of the land began to share. The journey had begun.
We learned skills essential to building a strong foundation in our current and future roles as leaders. Our assumptions were challenged and we were often removed from our comfort zones. Through open dialogue, interrupted only by bio-breaks, we began to analyze real-life scenarios; different perspectives of culture and values became apparent.
Mentored by experts in their respective fields, we were exposed to what is occurring in the world. We cannot change what has already happened. However, we must believe that change can happen. We all bear the ability to influence because we all have voices.
Passion and humility are fundamental ingredients of a leader. We must not let our passions consume us, as we may lose sight of our island. We must proceed with humility and be able to, if necessary, alter the course with confidence, never losing sight of our island.
- Kama Dancil
My overall feelings after completing our coursework at Stanford University's Woods Institute are those of deep appreciation, empowerment and a greater sense of confidence in my abilities. I am appreciative for this once in a lifetime opportunity. The experience of befriending, learning from and working with the world class educators of Stanford University as well as our Maori cousins was invaluable and unforgettable. I appreciate the time that all parties invested into making the experience one of tremendous growth, both personally and collectively for the fellows and the respective communities in which we serve. The directors, professors and presenters all communicated and exhibited their pride in being a part of the fellowship by nurturing the process of personal growth in all the fellows.
I think a pivotal personal realization came during a speech by Dr. Peter Vitousek, in which he noted that we as fellows should understand that our invitation to study at Stanford was an interaction of mutual benefit. As much as we individually benefit from the resources and knowledge that Stanford has to offer, we too bring value to the University in both sharing our individual strengths in specific field areas and our unique cultural based perspectives and values. Dr. Vitousek made me feel welcomed, valued and helped me to see the purpose of the fellowship: to develop and broaden our outlooks of the world together as a whole, by interacting and growing with each other.
It was through this realization, the intensive top-notch curriculum, and the daily interactions that I have come to leave Stanford with a strong sense of empowerment and trust in my abilities. I feel that my dreams to create significant impact and positive change in my community have been deeply nurtured and strengthened. I think in general, my mind has been opened to seeing issues from many different perspectives and now understand that all things and situations have much more value than they appear to hold on their surface. I feel armed with many unique and innovative tools and skills for accomplishing all that I set out to do.
After studying at the Woods Institute, I can now "envision my island". I have internalized the vision of my destination, and thus now know where I am going. Thanks to Uncle Neil, prior to the "launching of my wa'a", I now clearly "envision" what positive impact my organization will have on the health and well-being of our people. It has been an honor to participate and I eagerly look forward to the upcoming legs of our journey together. I am truly grateful for the experience and the meaningful friendships created.
- Nick Francisco
The Stanford Institute was everything that I expected it to be and then more. Honestly, it was very challenging at times, but a really great experience to go through. From day one I thought Stanford made every effort to make us feel like we were part of the Stanford family. The level of the presenters at the Institute was world-class. We were at the fingertips of world-class scholarship in environmental studies and exposed to some of the top leaders in multiple fields.
In addition to the Institute at Stanford, one of the best experiences was meeting and learning about the other fellows. I especially learned quite a lot from the Maori fellows. We were able to see and share the similarities and differences of our two cultures. I believe this was an important step in building our fellowship for this upcoming year. Some of the most memorable moments came from outside the classroom. Being able to relax and hang out with the other fellows was really enjoyable and important in our effort to get to know each other.
The fellowship allowed me to think critically about everything in our world and how it relates to the situations we face everyday in Hawai'i. I believe that I would not have been able to push myself to do this without being in a totally different setting, surrounded by the various program presenters, staff members, and First Nations' fellows. Being able to leave Hawai'i and place myself at Stanford really provided me an opportunity to clear my mind and focus on the Institute. I left the Stanford Institute with a refreshing feeling and an enormous amount of energy. I return to Hawai'i ready to tackle all challenges head-on with my feet firmly planted on the ground.
- Jason Jeremiah
My main take away of the institute is an affirmation that our ancestors were extra-ordinary "scientists" and resource managers. Although this is not a new revelation, native science and management practices have not been given sufficient recognition by the western world. Our peoples' traditional knowledge is a valuable tool for resource management, particularly for the issues our world is facing today - global warming, rising sea levels, higher demand on the earth's limited resources, and most recently the energy and food crisis. It was great to see Stanfords' sustainability efforts, particularly its projects working with and within native communities.
In addition to the work that is being done at Stanford I appreciated the time taken out by the Hawai`i and Aotearoa participants. Some of Hawai`i and Aotearoa's most influential leaders attended the Stanford Institute, and I was humbled by their mana`o and experiences. Some of the most profound activities involved Dr. Jon Osorio, Justice Joe Williams, and Aunty Pualani Kanahele.
My time at Stanford will definitely contribute to my goals of community-building, encouraging sustainable cultural and natural resource management, protection of traditional and customary practitioners, and community advancement.
- Jocelyn M-Doane The Stanford leg took us out of the isolation of Aotearoa and expanded our thinking to the broader international context. The environment that I found myself in was far removed from my reality back in little Aotearoa. It was, however, the people that filled a potentially overwhelming experience with memories of warmth. It took me a couple of days to feel comfortable within the foreign environment of Stanford, however there was a moment that really stood out for me on the second or third day when all of us fellows seemed to become closer and more confident around each other. From that day on, we started becoming more and more aware of our cultural differences, but even more importantly, we developed a stronger respect and understanding for our cultural commonalities.
On a personal level, words cannot describe what I have gained from this experience. I have learnt to trust my instincts, to be confident in my abilities as a creative and innovative person. Most of all, I have gained a stronger appreciation for my own backyard - my culture, my people, my reality in Aotearoa. I learnt that the answers are normally right in front of you, and that everyone can contribute in their own unique way - it's not about putting a square pole into a round hole; it's about utilisation and appreciation of diversity. The knowledge that people shared with me, especially from our Hawaiian cousins, remains strong in my everyday living. The dissemination of knowledge from the many different levels has helped me take a more proactive perspective towards my goals and aspirations. This programme has contributed a wealth of knowledge that will stay with me throughout my life
Ma nga huruhuru ka rere te manu - it is the feathers that allows the bird to fly.
- Rangimarie Mules
Words cannot do justice to the living experience shared by the fellows at the Stanford Institute. Yet, intense, informative, insightful and inspiring are all words that would not be inaccurate!
We were more than blessed, if not spoiled, with an amazing caliber and diversity of presenters - too many to list - who brought expertise in business, culture, indigenous leadership, aquaculture, renewable energy, communication, mediation, and more. Many of the presentations were interactive, challenging, and directly applicable to our personal lives, work, and the exciting projects that we will be collaborating on in the months ahead. Some presentations included scenarios or case studies to really challenge our pre-existing assumptions, creativity, and ability to apply what we learned to the real world.
Many evenings we enjoyed highly inspiring, unforgettable keynote speeches by the likes of Justice Joe Williams, Dr. Jon Osorio, Dr. Pamela Matson, Dr. Roberta Katz, and Arama Kukutai.
Perhaps even more valuable than the honor of such amazing presenters and keynote speakers was the mana and aloha of the program directors - Neil, Mawae, and Peter - and the fellows themselves! The relationships formed and the knowledge and inspiration from each of them were invaluable. Collectively, this group demonstrated many levels of native intelligence and wit, a wide array of invaluable experiences, boundless passion to learn, to grow and to serve, a good dose of humor, and the mana, perseverance, and aloha of their 'ohana and kupuna.
I cannot mahalo enough each person who contributed to the planning and implementation of a very successful 'Phase 1' of this year's fellowship.
- Keola Nakanishi
My experience at Stanford University was an eye opening one to say the least. It was certainly a change to be back in the academic world - especially at such a prestigious University like Stanford. My experience at Stanford left me inspired, challenged and motivated all at the same time. Knowing very little about the programme before I delved in meant that I had very few expectations. It only took a very short time to realise that I was part of something great and to learn very quickly what the fellowship was all about. I couldn't wait to get home and share what I had learnt with my people and think of ways of thanking them for providing me with such an opportunity.
Like I had heard from previous fellows, it was true for me also that it was not what I learnt from Stanford that made the Institute such a success, but what I learnt from the other fellows and the time I spent talking and learning from their own personal experiences that made this all the more rewarding. The time I spent there helped me to grow both professionally and personally, and I feel richer for the experience. I hope that I left Stanford not only taking knowledge with me but imparting some too.
- Renee Young
FNFP fellows and Stanford University's Hui o Hawai'i pose for a picture at the end of the Institute's graduation ceremony. | Expectations: Aotearoa
Te Wai Pounamu
I am very interested in the business strategy and models of the various entities involved in the aquaculture industry. I am eager to learn and understand how cultural values were or were not compromised in this competitive industry. Additionally, it will be enlightening to learn the effects that the trade-offs had (if any) on the success of the business and the well-being of the environment. I am most interested in how my fellow Maori fellows have acquired their confidence in self identity.
- Kama Dancil
Having just come back from an amazingly productive and fulfilling two weeks at Stanford, I feel that the first placed based project in Aotearoa is going to be great! I truly feel extremely close with our Maori cousins, especially since we were only together for such a short period of time. I can honestly say that upon returning home to daily life, I miss them. I miss the challenging and good times we shared together. I feel the chemistry between the fellows is wonderful and look forward to experiencing the warmth of their culture and homeland.
I am confident that we will make real progress during our project for the Maori aquaculture industry. I feel that the aquaculture lecture we heard at Stanford gave me real insight into the numerous challenges that must be balanced in order to create a profitable yet environmentally sustainable system. I know I have a great deal more to learn on the topic, but feel that after our project, I will return home with a firm understanding of all its aspects. I am excited by the idea that we will be learning first hand about this innovative and lucrative business.
I have no idea what our schedule is like in Aotearoa but hope that we are able to do some community service in addition to our aquaculture project. Possibly working with an immersion school or helping to improve the equipment or property on the marae. I think this sort of community-based work will give us a much deeper and closer connection to our hosts and their unique culture. Overall, I am very excited and eager to begin the second leg of our journey in Aotearoa. I do not know what the future holds for us, only that I am going with an open mind, a deeper sense of personal trust in my abilities and many new problem solving tools and skills. I expect this component to be as tough and rewarding as the first one, yet entirely new and exciting. See you in Aotearoa. Kia Ora!
- Nick Francisco
There is much to learn from the successes and ongoing aquaculture initiatives of Māori communities. My observation made on a previous visit is that Māori individuals and iwi are heavily involved in commerce and business, and I believe that kanaka maoli can learn from their challenges and accomplishments. I am also looking forward to hanging out with our Māori cousins again and seeing Aotearoa through their eyes. - Jocelyn M-Doane
In gearing toward the Aotearoa project, I expect to follow the lead of our Maori cousins and digest as much as possible of what they have to offer in regards to their whanau, whakapapa, strengths and challenges, stories and histories; anything and everything! I expect to apply as much of our collective experiences as possible to this project, leading up to and very much including the Stanford Institute. I expect to help make a difference!
- Keola Nakanishi
Looking forward to the Aotearoa leg, I am extremely excited about welcoming our Hawaiian cousins to our shores and sharing with them our land, our culture and our people. I hope that our case study will produce some real results that benefit our people and will further strengthen the foundations laid by those who have come before us, for those who will come after us.
- Renee Young
| Looking Ahead
Readying the canoe The fellows look forward to the challenges and opportunities the future holds. Having exhausted the classroom experience, they're anxious to apply their knowledge in the field. The Aotearoa Project will serve as the first place-based project. The fellows will get their feet wet, literally and figuratively, with a fisheries project focus.
In our next Ke Alaula issue, the fellows will share their experiences at Aotearoa and the plans for the Hawai'i Project scheduled for May, 2009. For now, we make ready the canoe for the journey ahead. I mua.
FACING FORWARD
| IT'S A BOY!
Future 2038 FNFP fellow
 Mehana (FNFP 2007-08 fellow) and Paki Vaughan welcomed their first child on November 4th, 2008, election day, at 1:18 p.m. in Waimea, Kaua'i. He was 8 lbs. 5.9 ounces, and 21 1/2 inches long. His name is Pikomanawakupono Ka'opuaolanākāhili Blaich Vaughan
Mommy sends her message: Paki and I and our 'ohana feel so blessed by all the aloha and good wishes from Stanford, Aotearoa and Hawai'i nei surrounding us at this time. We are also grateful for the many examples of great makua (parents) met through the First Nations' 'ohana and experience. Ke aloha nui me ka maluhia i keia makahiki hou.
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Mawae Morton
FNFP, Co-Director
Keola Nakanishi FNFP, Program Manager
B.J. Awa
FNFP, Project Support | | |
Sea Otters in the ocean during a hike near Monterey.
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Monte Bello Open Space Preserve near Stanford University ... pictured is the San Andreas fault line. |  Papa 'Ohi'a Lehua - the 2008/09 Kamehameha Fellows, Directors and prior fellow Nälani Dahl. |
 Sealife at the Hopkins Marine Station, Monterey, California. Part of the Institute is held at Stanford HMS facility each year. |
HI FNFP Orientation 2008. Current fellows learn the ins and outs from Nālani Dahl, FNFP Fellow 2007-'08. |
Flanked by co-directors of the FNFP, Kama Dancil showcases he fits right in, steering the conversation.
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