Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 12, 1 December 1985 — "Nana I Ke Kumu" Session Slated Dec. 13 [ARTICLE]

"Nana I Ke Kumu" Session Slated Dec. 13

"You don't have a degree but you are pedigreed because what you give comes from the heart." This was the commendation made by Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Thomas K. Kaulukukui Sr. to a corps of Leeward and Central District kupuna from the Department of Education during a "Nana I ke Kumu" session Oct. 30 in the OHA conference room. The program was p!anned by OHA Kupuna Coordinator Betty Jenkins at the request of the Leeward District office. The session's theme means "look to the source." Kaulukukui and Acting Administrator Ben Henderson welcomed the group and thanked them for the work they are doing with Hawaii's school children. Purpose of the session was to provide kupuna with educational, cultural learning opportunities, focusing on the Hawaiian learning process; lesson plan; delivery format and teaching models. Teaching strategies were also explained and acted out by Kupuna Elizabeth Ellis, Kealoha and Kanahele. Kupuna were again reminded of the Hawaiian learning process of nana ka maka (observe); pa'a ka waha (keep your mouth closed and think); ho'olohe (listen); ho'opili (mimie or model); ninau (ask question). The concept of po'okela (excellence) through the belief of hoala hou (rediscovery or reawakening) and the content of kukui (light) was introduced and explained by the kupuna coordinator. "You and I are the direct beneficiaries of a culture that is po'okela — a culture where there was no room for error. As an example you ean look at our featherwork; it is of the highest culture in the world. Another example is our eanoe whose sails had to be just perfect." Kupuna enjoyed the lively session so mueh that they have scheduled another one for Dec. 13 at the same location. Kupuna from other districts interested in attending are asked to eall the OHA office, 548-8960. It will be another brownbagger.