Utilizing a Biocultural Lens to Build Pilina (relationships) to the Kai Lipo (deep sea ecosystems)

September 15, 2022

Hōkūokahalelani Pihana, M.S, Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Executive Director Nā Waʻa Mauō Marine Stewardship Program

Kainalu Steward, M.S, Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Ph.D. student, Arizona State University

J. Hauʻoli Lorenzo-Elarco, Kumu Aʻo ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Instructor of Hawaiian Language) at Honolulu Community College, Ph.D. student, Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

Increasing indigenous participation in STEAM, ocean sciences, and maritime careers is critical for building equitable and inclusive biocultural ocean science. Join Hōkū Pihana, Kainalu Steward and Hauʻoli Lorenzo-Elarco of the Papahānaumokuākea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group as they share their experiences developing a partnership with the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) during deep ocean mapping and exploration within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and Johnston Atoll. From 2021-2022, Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiians) participated as Science & Engineering Interns, Science Communication Fellows, and Cultural Liaisons on OET's Exploration Vessel Nautilus. This partnership has led to the creation of Hawaiian names for each expedition, promotional videos in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) for live ship-to-shore interactions with kula kaiapuni (Hawaiian immersion schools), and a current effort to create culturally-grounded ocean science curriculum in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Come learn more about efforts to transform ocean science through a biocultural lens.

This presentation is part of the Third Thursday by The Bay webinar series at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, which is the visitor center for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. This lecture series is also supported by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.