Colonization and Imperialism are both very important concepts for my Kahiau project. This is because the effects of the both of them have shaped many current systems around the world. With my project focusing around quality education and teaching healthy relations with the land, I would actually like for classrooms to explore traditional means of living alongside nature. It is my belief that all students should know where the food that they eat and the water they drink comes from. Furthermore, I believe that everyone should have a basic knowledge about the history of the people they come from and their agricultural practices, lifestyles, and views towards life. This is in an attempt to teach better means of sustainability and how to be respectful towards the land. As well as an understanding or even appreciation of a diversity of beliefs, background, life choices, etc, focusing on empathy. However the issue and the root of this all was that many colonization and imperialism practices specifically focused on distancing native people from their lands. This was to force them into modern society as once they did there would be no natural world to return to. So in essence, my Kahiau project focuses on reversing these effects. I think that colonization and imperialism has most definitely detached people here in Hawaii from their land and roots. Although we have rebounded and are once again regaining our ways. In the past Hawaii was completely sustainable, but now we can do nothing but rely on the mainland for our supplies and the shipment of materials. This alone, speaks volumes about the disconnect between people and the land. We went from being an efficent society isolated thousands of miles in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with no outside assistence or influence, to a society with so much technology yet so little independence. What we have now is a direct result of colonization and imperialism tactics that were used once foreign colonizers came to our Islands. Although it was primarily opportunistic businessman who laid the groundwork because Hawaii was still a kingdom at the time. When later under American rule Hawaii quickly became an exotic tourist attraction and Military asset. This created a demand for land that once belonged to the native people. it was well-known of the local reluctance to comply with these foreign economic systems. Many were even confused on concepts such as having to buy your own land or work all day in the fields for little pay. the new systems that had been imposed were more capitalist based, while the previous old systems were community focused and more compatible with the lifestyles of native and Pacific Islander people. Works Cited:
“Ancient Moku and Ahupuaʻa”. Maui Nui Ahupuaʻa Project. Supported by County of Maui. https://www.mauinuiahupuaaproject.com/ahupuaa “Ahupuaʻa”. Nīele Hawaiian Girl Graphics. ”http://www2.hawaii.edu/~dhonda/ahupua'a.htm Natural Lifestyle. March 16, 2018. “ 10 Simple Ways to start living a more Natural Life”. All Natural Home and Health. https://allnaturalhomeandhealth.com/10-simple-ways-to-start-living-a-more-natural-life/ Early Foundations. 2021. “Benefits of Connecting Children with Nature”. Early Foundations. http://www.earlyfoundations.com.au/benefits-connecting-children-nature/ Akana.H. November 22, 2020. “Impacts of Colonization & Imperialism, Modern Warfare & Identity Crisis”. World History, Period 5. Kamehameha Schools, Kapalama. US. HI.
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AuthorHello! I am a Hawaiian born and raised in Hawaii. I love art and have been obsessed with the natural world for as long as I can remember. I believe in empowering youth through education and advocating for change Archives
May 2021
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