Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 38, Number 3, 1 March 2021 — Tipping the System to Benefit Native Hawaiians: Systems Mapping in Action [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Tipping the System to Benefit Native Hawaiians: Systems Mapping in Action

E'ONIPAAKĀKOU BE STEADFAST

By Pālama Lee, Ph.D. The current system reinforces injustices perpetuated against Native Hawaiians, disconnects themfrom their culture, and limits opportunities for theirfamilies to thrive. In 2019, Lili'uokalani Trust (LT) engaged over 300 stakeholders across five islands to identify the forces they see helping or hurting the ability of Native Hawaiians to break the cycle of poverty. The mana'o they shared is represented in the LT Systems Map. Highlighted are four interventions that have the potential to change the lives of Kānaka and the lāhui and eontribute to a more equitable society.

Heal Trauma Recognizing the suffering of others and eonnecting people to sources of healing impacts "Easing Pain" (Map theme/loop). This has the potential to heal emotional and spiritual harm, improve mental health, and move kamali'i and 'ohana to a plaee of greater wellbeing (Changing the Story).

Strengthen 'Ohana Connecting kamali'i and 'ohana to navigators (individuals who foster healing and community strength) and finding ways to increase "Family Time," strengthens 'ohana. This potentially increases ea (self-determination) of individuals and 'ohana and their ability to meet basic needs. Kūpuna and Keiki Connecting kūpuna with keiki perpetuates traditional Hawaiian values and 'ike whieh grounds youth and provides them with valuable knowledge, skills, and wisdom. This contributes to "Living Aloha" and "Connect to Self, Connect to Community" while reversing "Kūpuna Pushed Aside." Strengthen Collective Fostering Hawaiian culture and language and using aloha to combat efforts to exploit Hawaiians, unleashes "People Power" in a positive and effective manner. An example of this is the use of "Kapu Aloha" to create pathways such as resistance and solidarity for many Hawaiians. Eaeh of the interventions, alone, is not enough to create sustained systems change. Implemented together, they have the potential to push the system

in a direction that benefits Hawaiians. At Lili'uokalani Trust, we use these four interventions by: • Sharing them and the systems map across the pae 'āina; • Nurturing collaborative spaces to work collectively to lift these interventions; • Remembering "Aloha" is key, people power, instilling trust and vision, and self gifts; and • Integrating them in our programs and . services to support LT's Strategic Plan It is our belief and hope that this new version of the system will be one whieh fosters thriving Hawaiian children and uplifts their wellbeing. We extend an invitation to all to use this work and to reach out to us at vfuata@onipaa.org. ■

Pālama Lee is blessed to have worked for the Lili'uokalani Trust (LT) for nearly 10 years. He is a elinieal social worker and an evaluator and researcher who offers a culturally responsive lens to illuminate the wellbeing ofour lāhui. He received his MSW and PhD at UH Mānoa. He is the Director of Research, Evaluation, and Strategy at LT.

/+ +\ 38 1Living Aloha wmm. Connect to Self, Connect to Community