Native Hawaiian Education Council
Language is the fiber that binds us to our cultural identity. The UH Hilo College of Hawaiian Language, Ka Haka Ula O Keelikolani was established in 1997 by the Hawaii State Legislature to “serve as a focal point for the states efforts to revitalize the Hawaiian language through teacher training, undergraduate and graduate study of Hawaiian, community outreach, research and testing, use of technology, national and international cooperation, and the development of liberal education in Hawaiian for future generations of Hawaiian speakers. ” Named in honor of Ruth Keelikolani Keanolani Kanahoahoa, the 19th century high chiefess known for her strong advocacy of Hawaiian language and culture, the College models its operation primarily through an indigenous language. Building upon the vast repository of traditional knowledge passed down through generations, the College seeks to develop an academic curriculum emphasizing language acquisition, linguistics, traditional culture and education programs which are culturally responsive to the needs of the Hawaiian medium learning environment, and support a network of community outreach programs that benefit all those interested in Hawaiian language and culture. Its primary focus is the provision, support, and modeling of a full infant-to-doctoral system of high quality education through Hawaiian language with outreach to Native Hawaiians and other indigenous peoples worldwide. Together with its consortium partner named in its founding legislation, the Aha Punana Leo, the College is the primary provider of Hawaiian language medium curriculum, videography, computer technology, and teacher education in the State of Hawaii. Its pioneering work in Hawaiian language revitalization and outreach to other indigenous peoples has been recognized in both the national and international press.
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