Virtual Kahaukani Conversations – Eia Hawaiʻi

Join us for our next Virtual Kahaukani Conversation with Maya Kawailanaokeawaiki Saffery. Inspired by her research on ʻāina (land) education, her presentation will discuss how mele (songs, chants) composed in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) are repositories of Hawaiian epistemology (the study of knowledge) and can therefore become lenses through which to view and imagine how kūpuna (ancestors) might have explained and given meaning to contemporary practices like those within the context of ʻāina education. 

About the Speaker

Maya L. Kawailanaokeawaiki Saffery was born and raised in Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu, and is an ongoing student of the language and culture of her ancestors. With a Bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Language and both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Education from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), she serves as the Curriculum Specialist for Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language at UHM. In this capacity, she is responsible for researching, developing, implementing, and evaluating graduate and undergraduate curricula for use within Kawaihuelani as well as out in the broader community. Her research interests include approaches to ʻāina education that honor and nurture the development of kanaka-ʻāina (people-land) relationships in all aspects of the curriculum and pedagogy, ʻŌiwi research methodologies, and development of culturally grounded, interdisciplinary Hawaiian language undergraduate and graduate curriculum. In addition to her work at the university, she is also a hula practitioner from Hālau Mōhala ʻIlima and a community leader in Kailua, Oʻahu serving as the co-founder and President of the Hawaiian non-profit organization, Kauluakalana.

Kahaukani Conversations is made possible with support from: 

Atherton Family Foundation
Island Insurance