Introduction

E ala! E alu! E kuilima! (1)
Up! Together! Join hands!
[A call to come together to tackle a given task]

“The basic tool of resistance is culture. Embodied in culture are all the things that keep the life force of people together – language, histories, songs, traditions, land, families, and the passing on of knowledge. Culture retention and revival is essential. Culture is our main weapon of resistance.” (2)

 

Pre-Launch Checklist

What do I need to think about during this module?

  1. What does culture mean to me?
  2. What stories have I heard from about my own ancestors?
  3. Do I tell any stories about your culture?
  4. Am I aware of health problems specific to the Pacific region?

Paddling Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to...

  • Describe the concepts of culture in relation to Pacific Peoples
  • Identify the significant health problems specific to Pacific Peoples
  • Distinguish differences in Western concepts of health with Pacific Peoples' concepts of health
  • Describe storytelling and how it is used in Indigenous populations
  • Define concept of self-identity and describe its relation to food and health

(1)Pukui, M. K., & Varez, D. (1983). ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian proverbs & poetical sayings [258]. Honolulu, Hawai’i: Bishop Museum Press.
(2)dé Ishtar, Z. (1994). Daughters of the Pacific (p. 173). Victoria, Australia. Spinifex Press Pty Ltd.