Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 31, Number 6, 1 June 2014 — Hawaiʻi hosts the World lndigenous Peoples Conference on Education [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiʻi hosts the World lndigenous Peoples Conference on Education

By Francine Kananionapua Murray

epresentatives from native eommuI nities around the world arrived on the shore of Sans Souei Beaeh on

May 19, { weleomed

by the sounds of eoneh shell blowing and ehanters and a chicken-skin spear-throwing demonstration in the opening ceremony for WIPCE, the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education. Traditionally,

kāli'i, the spear-hurling ritual was done at the end of the Makahiki season. As the ali'i, or high chief, retums to the 'āina (land) to reestablish his rule, spears are thrown at him or his proxy to catch or dodge. This act of courage reaffirms the ali'i's authority to reign. At WIPCE, this traditional Hawaiian ritual was performed to honor the dignitaries attending. In an international feast for the eyes, a parade of nations graced the Waiklkl Shell on opening day. Native groups, eaeh in their loeal garb, appeared on stage in a provocative and exciting display, offering gifts to

the host, while others offered a treat to everyone in attendance via song or dance. "E Mau Ana Ka Mo'olelo, Our Narratives Endure" is this year's theme, whieh suggests looking to the ancestors and tra-

ditional practices to learn and to help the future native generations thrive. ThefirstWIPCE was held in British Columbia, Canada, in 1987, with more than 1,500 people attending from 17 countries. The gathering is held every three years in a different location.

Hawai'ilast hosted the conference in 1999, in Hilo, where over 5,000 people attended. The Native Hawaiian Education Association, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering indigenous education in Hawai'i, was selected to host this year's event, and Kapi'olani Community College graciously offered the venue for the week of events. This issue of Ka Wai Ola went to press as the event was happening. For more WIPCE 2014 coverage, please see the July issue of Ka Wai Ola. ■

Aboriginal dancers, students of the Wesley College in Perth, Australia, performed under the direction of Ben Lewis during the opening ceremony at Waikīkī Shell. - Photos: Hieki Ralar

Dignitaries (in the blue kīhei) arrived on Waikīkī Beach by eanoe in the opening ceremony.