Paddle with Me
In this lesson, we’ll learn about cultural trauma. The Braun article discusses how the health disparities of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are related to their experiences of historical trauma. It goes on to discuss “promising practices” from the perspectives of elders. Read the article and watch the video. We are getting into a difficult topic in this part of the course. In the next lesson, we will dig deeper to help us understand the complexities of how cultural trauma affects people’s health today. Hang in there! It’s important for us to know about these histories. Please email me (Kumu) if you’re having any trouble or just want to talk. (I am available for virtual meetings as well).
A Paddler’s Perspective
In the video, you’ll learn about the practices of Hawaiian culture that were denied by Westerners. The Native Hawaiians experienced a loss of language, traditional lifestyle and values. Alohe Panglinawan speaks about many Hawaiians being “stuck” with the problems and the remedies not being available. He speaks about the culture as the remedy. While acknowledging the history of cultural trauma, we need to foster resilience and strength in the Hawaiian communities by facilitating reconnection to the culture. Alohe Panglinawan is a very well-respected elder. Much of what I’ve learned about Hawaiian culture came from him and his ʻOhana (family).