Kū ā Kukui
A professional development program to mentor students doing research in Hawaiian knowledge
Growing Hawaiian leaders. Strengthening Hawaiian research. Empowering the lāhui.
For the Spring and Summer 2019 terms, NHSS is implemented a pilot program proposed by the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, with funds from the UH Mānoa OVCAA office. The program, “Kū ā Kukui,” will created a pilot fellowship for students (with a priority to graduate students) in Hawaian Knowledge and related studies. Also prioritized in this program students who have paired with a faculty member around research projects that lead to accepted conference presentations. The research pairs would be directed to work collaboratively on a panel presentation for an academic conference. Although not limited to these opportunities, two international conferences that annually attract hundreds of Indigenous researchers, He Au Honua and Native American and Indigenous Scholars Association (NAISA), took place in March and June of 2019 respectively.
By assisting student and faculty presenters, this program increases the visibility and stature of UH Mānoa scholars, encourages and supports mentor/mentee relationships, and provides students with an introduction to other peers and to established luminaries in the indigenous studies academic world.
There was approximately 33 individuals supported, at up to $1,500 per participant. Applications would be open to students and faculty across Mānoa who are doing research in any area that involves the use of Hawaiian language sources or indigenous research approaches originating from Native Hawaiian arts and sciences.