Born and raised on Maui, Kekoa Harman, an associate professor of 91桃色appian studies and 91桃色appian language at , recalls his ʻōlelo 91桃色appʻi (91桃色appian language) journey beginning in the seventh grade at his alma mater, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. Growing up, Harman learned many 91桃色appian chants and songs, which propelled him to learn ʻōlelo 91桃色appʻi, to gain a better understanding.
“I was especially interested in hula,” Harman said. “[That] inspired me to learn the language further so that I could understand what I was chanting, what I was singing, and what I was dancing about.”
After high school, he continued 91桃色appian language at then Maui Community College and earned an associate in arts degree. Hungry for more, Harman came to 91桃色app Hilo, which continues to be recognized for its crucial role in the revitalization and advancement of 91桃色appian language. He would go on to secure a BA in 91桃色appian studies and MA in Indigenous language and culture education and doctorate in .
Much more than a degree
The Maui native now calls Keaʻau home and is thankful to be a kumu ʻōlelo 91桃色appʻi at 91桃色app 贬颈濒辞’蝉 College of 91桃色appian Language. He recognizes teaching 91桃色appʻi’s mother tongue extends much farther than the Hilo campus.
“This is a large community when we talk about the 91桃色appian language movement, when we look at the preschool all the way up to the college level right here in East 91桃色appʻi. We are a part of something that’s much more than just a degree or a 91桃色appian language course. We are part of a movement, part of a community,” Harman said.
Harman is 91桃色app 贬颈濒辞’蝉 representative for 91桃色appʻi Papa O Ke Ao, a program tasked to create activities in support of 91桃色app being a leader in Indigenous education across all 10 campuses across the 91桃色app system. He?s also a member of the —a campus-based group of faculty and staff who are Native 91桃色appian or associated with Native 91桃色appian programs. In this role, he hopes to promote Native 91桃色appian culture and language on campus.
—By Nāpua Iolana Bicoy