7th Annual Indigenous Education Conference

The 7th Annual Indigenous Education Conference, Ku‘i ka Lono, will be held at Aloha Beach Hotel in Wailua from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today and Saturday.

Ku‘i ka Lono brings together hundreds of Na Lei Nayauao students and staff, as well as indigenous students and educators from around the world to share best practices in indigenous education.

Collectively students are living proof that the pedagogy of aloha is working and that native people can design, control and evaluate quality models of education.

“Ku‘i ka Lono means to ‘spread the news.’ said Director of Kanu o ka ‘‘Aina Public Charter School, Dr. Ku Kahakalau in a press release. “This annual gathering reminds us of the need to share the success of native students in Hawai‘i and elsewhere with others, so that they may be inspired about the potential of culturally-driven education.”

The event features culturally-relevant projects presented by students and staff. The conference alternates its location to support culturally-driven curriculum by providing opportunities for participants to learn about Hawai‘i’s special places. While on Kaua‘i, hosts and cultural experts will take students on a journey to teach the significance of these places and how place connects to the stories, chants and dances they already know.

“By sharing strategies for success, this conference hopes to help  native communities create quality culturally-driven schools that empower native students to walk successfully in multiple worlds and assure that No Child is Left Behind,” said conference coordinator, Ka‘iulani Pahi‘o.

For more information call, (808) 887-1117.