Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 13, Number 12, 1 December 1996 — Conference honors kūpuna [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Conference honors kūpuna

photo by Sabra The four day 'Aha Kūpuna Conference was attended by 120 kūpuna from across the state. Kupuna have been attending OHA's 'Aha Kūpuna Ku'ikahi a nā Kūpuna, A Convocation of Hawaiian Elders . . . on Being Kūpuna, for the past nine years. &?&*? ~ This year's theme, 'O Nā Kūpuna ka Mole o ka Piko, gives honor to Hawaiian elders. The Kūpuna i rr~

maintain Hawaiian values, and traditions , while applying them to today and future generations. The conference is organized by OHA's j education division. The conference strength- j ens the bond of 'ohana and promotes the continuation of passing on Hawaiian history, knowledge and traditions. This year's workshops touched on child 1 rearing, health , and fun activities like feathi er work, chant and making a kihei. The conference is held every year in October, for more information eall OHA's Education Division at 594-1912. Kūpuna recognized for exemplary perpetuation of Hawaiian culture. Three awards are presented to the kūpuna every year. Ka Hā Mai Kalāhikiola Nāh'i'elua Award j is presented by the OHA Board of Trustees in j memory of Papa Kalā, OHA's first kahu. Ka Hā Mai Nālani Ellis Award is presented by OHA's kūpuna team in honor of Kupuna Elizabeth Nālani Mersber Ellis, the guiding kupuna matriarch of OHA's kūpuna team. Kupuna Po'okela is "elected" by the members of the 'Aha Kūpuna | Conference.

71113 year's awards weregiven to: Ha Mai Māhikiola Nāli'i'elua Award Winifred Pele Honua Ka Hā Mai Nālani Ellis Award Lydia Namahana Maioho Kupuna Po'okela Arlene Eaion

Barbara Puaa, Lurline Lee and Loretta Hera show their certiticates of completion for the 'Aha Kūpuna Conference.

* Margaret Aipoalani makes an 'ulPulī implement for hula. photo by Sabra

Tom Cummings with Bishop Museum gives a talk about Hawaiian sailing canoes and star navigation. photo by Sabra