Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 10, 1 October 1998 — Caregivers convene [ARTICLE]

Caregivers convene

At "E Pili Kākou," a gathering sponsored by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' Health and Human Services Division on Sept. 10, 170 caregivers and service providers learned how to better assist Native Hawaiians by connecting with cultural beliefs and values. After viewSee Newsbriefs on page 30

ing Leo Anderson Akana's video of vignettes of three contemporary Hawaiian women, participants discussed value conflicts they encounter in their work servicing similar clients in great need. "It is very reaffirming to hear people identify such powerful themes," said Linda Colburn, who facilitated the discussions. "I'm struck with the spontaneity and imaginative way of expressing ideas and that, despite the seriousness of their efforts, many here manage to remain optimistic." Noella Kong, OHA heahh and human services officer, defined the importance of the conference. "It was an opportunity to network with other agencies outside the individual participants' fields," she said. Kong credited Colburn, Akana, OHA kupuna Aunīie Betty Jenkins, Auntie Nālehua Knox and OHA Deputy Administrator Colin Kippen with establishing a strong foundation for personal and cultural value connections and connections between agencies so that the participants might improve their services to Native Hawaiians.

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