From Hawaii to Chicago

In September 2018, the Museum was fortunate to host a group of representatives from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. OHA Community Engagement Director Nicole (Mehana) Mehanaokalā Hind, Kamakana Ferreira (OHA Compliance,) Shane Palacat-Nelsen (OHA Community Outreach - Kona,) and Kahakai’o Ravenscraft (Na Hoa Aloha O Ka Pu’uhonua o Honaunau) joined collections staff to explore the Field’s Hawaiian collections, enrich the Museum’s understanding of its Hawaiian cultural material, and discuss the future of those objects.

(L-R) Kahakai’o Ravenscraft and Shane Palacat-Nelson examine Hawaiian stone axes. Mr. Ravenscraft practices wood carving and was able to identify the purposes of several types of stone tools in the FM collections.

An evening reception to formally welcome the visitors followed. The event on the marae was attended not only by FM staff, but also Filipino-American co-curators and representatives from Chicago's American Indian Center. FM's Community Engagement Coordinator, Debra Yepa-Pappan, greeted the visitors with a native land acknowledgement statement.

Representing Chicago's Hawaiian community were the Executive Director of Aloha Center Chicago, C. Lanialoha Lee and Native Hawaiian Delegate, Ku Kamaeha'o Sumberg of Ke Ali'i Victoria Ka'iulani Hawaiian Civic Club Chicago. Lanialoha and Kamae provided music for the gathering during the reception and dinner.

(L-R) Ku Kamaeha'o Sumberg and C. Lanialoha Lee perform on the veranda of Ruatepupuke II as part of the welcome reception on the marae.