Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 19, Number 7, 1 July 2002 — Oweesta benefit [ARTICLE]

Oweesta benefit

Mahalo for affording our nonprofit organization, the Anahola Homesteaders Council, scholarships to attend the recent Oweesta Conference on eeonomie development. The information gathered, renewed and new friendships made and the networking opportunities was overwhelming. The conference enabled many to improve organizational controls and capacity building, fine-tune their fund raising abilities, and there was a list of native funders. The only missmg component was the presence of our OHA trustees. Mr. Nāmu'o (OHA admmistrator) and Trustee Apoliona were there for the mahalo luneheon. Our native Indian brothers and sisters did share their tribulations and what it took to rise above them. Interestingly, many have opened themselves to gaming as the means for generating some capital. With careful planning and capital ventures, these tribes have purchased mueh land illegally taken from them. Native tribes are using and investing their money to buy back native lands and reclaim their native identity and secure the sanctity of their ancestral names. Unfortunately, OHA missed the opportunity to buy back a lot of native land on Kaua'i that was adversely taken over and now resold to private land owners. On behalf of the Anahola Homesteaders Council, mahalo nui to Leona Kalima and OHA. We look forvvard to future workshops and potential funding for our eommunity. Marie M. Torio Anahola