It's easy to list the different types of race, nationality or ethnicity from knowing a bit about your family line and where they come from.
For example, I can say I'm a mixed race person; Hawaiian, Filipino, Mexican and Yaqui Indian. I may be all of those things, but what do I truly identify with? What do I have a deep connection with? How do I know I have an understanding of the race I identify with most?
There is an endless amount of questions we need to ask ourselves before telling someone what we are or think we are. It is okay to not have an understanding of your background but that should encourage you to find out!
To say I am Hawaiian and to say I am Hawaiian and have a true understanding of the culture and heritage itself have two very different meanings.
Growing up, I was raised by my grandfather who is Hawaiian and Filipino. From what I can remember of what he taught me, the values of the Hawaiian people involved ohana (family) first, being full of aloha (care, compassion and love), kokua (helping others especially your elders, malama (to keep safe or care for and to protect), and Kuleana (responsibility or privilege).
Aside from those traditional values, the Hawaiian arts such as Hula ( a form of dance), mele (music), cultural practices and arts were and still remain highly sacred to those who are deeply intertwined with Hawai'i's past, present and future.
Dance has always played a huge part in my life and still continues to make me feel more connected to the Polynesian culture. It is the art where dancers tell stories of our ancestors and of the Hawaiian land and of the Gods and Goddesses such as Pele. Every movement and every chant, channels a cathartic feeling, one that is almost hard to find words to express it.
I've learned from a Kumu (instructor or teacher), that as long as the wind keeps blowing and the ocean keeps moving Hula exists with or without us. I believe the land, our ancestors, the blood, sweat, tears and history are what makes up the existence of this beautiful art but if you take all that away, the world faces oblivion as well as race with it.
Understanding the history of our ancestors and those that came before us also ties us to our culture and makes us aware of what our people faced whether good or bad. The thing about history is that it keeps moving forward bringing more challenges, struggles, and accomplishments to those living in the present. With these new challenges, struggles, and accomplishments it keeps the culture, beliefs and values, customs and heritage alive and ready to be passed down from generation to generation.
Of all the things the Hawaiians faced in the past, which included, being called savages by Captain Cook, conversion to Christianity, the illegal overthrow of the last reigning heir in Hawai'i, Queen Liliuokalani, the banning of 'olelo (language) and dance and more, they remained strong and resilient as those who live to fight for Hawai'i's sovereignty and rights today.
Today, native island locals are currently using their Kuleana on Hawaiian land, specially Maunakea summit which is located in Big Island, HI. By using Kuleana, Hawaiians believe that in return for helping to keep sacred land free of harm, the land in return will give its Kuleana to provide food and shelter.
We believe the land does not belong to us, we belong to the land.
I could go on and on about Hawaiian history or even possibly teach a course on Hawaiian history but I think I've touched key points.
Although I identify with Hawaiian, I plan to uncover the other parts of what makes me a multicultural person who comes from a multicultural family line.
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