Welina mai, Halo olketa, Nisa bula vinaka, Ran anim, Talofa lava, Iokwe yuk, Malo e lelei, Kia Orana, Mogethin, Taloha ni, Alii, Ko na mauri, Len wo, Hafa adai, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Kasalehlie…warm Pacific Islands greetings!
As we approach the 75th anniversary of the Center for Pacific Islands Studies, we are reminded of the importance of building connection and community across our sea of islands. Over the past year, we have been tracing our alumni across this vast blue continent and sharing in the joy of their many accomplishments from publishing poetry to raising families to activating around the issues which touch all of our lives.
While we are proud of the strong relationships fostered in our seminars and courses, we also know that our students and alumni are routed and rooted through communities across Oceania. While in Mānoa, home may seem very far away. With this in mind, CPIS seeks to provide opportunities to build relationships, belonging, and community both on and off campus. As the late and great Epeli Hau'ofa wrote, “Oceania is vast, Oceania is expanding, Oceania is hospitable and generous, Oceania is humanity rising from the depths of brine and regions of fire deeper still, Oceania is us. We are the sea, we are the ocean…” Here at CPIS, we have the immense privilege of supporting UHM students while they undertake their studies and lay the foundations for impactful lives.
In 2022 we supported and celebrated our students and broader communities through hosting or collaborating in diverse events such as Celebrate Micronesia which provided an opportunity for youth to dialogue and discuss healing over Jeremiah's Island Fusion; to the Oceania Welcome Series which kicked off the fall semester and included a discussion on disruptive art with Pacific Sisters and a lunchtime talanoa with alumna Tammy Tabe on navigating identity across Oceania; to John “Jay-J” Taukave’s Hanuju Open Mic series which brings together scholars, community, and students alike through storyliving, snacks, and frequently, a shell of kava; to Pacific Grad, a student-led graduation celebration recognizing Pacifica students and their families, featuring speakers, performances and food, among many others. Across all these events we share food and talanoa, and hopefully, make UH a more comfortable and generative home.
Please consider joining us in this effort by providing a gift to our Pacific Islands Studies Outreach Fund so we can continue to share hospitality and generosity with all who join us here.
Help us to continue sharing food and stories to remember. And if you’re ever on island, please come by and share a story, some grinds, and / or a bowl of kava.
