Ma ka hana ka ʻike
In working one learns.
Perpetuate
Acknowledging the fact that approximately half of the Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) population resides in various locations outside of their ancestral homeland, it becomes imperative to emphasize the significance of preserving and transferring rich cultural traditions and heritage to the younger generations who now call the continental United States their home.
The challenges of living in diaspora should not hinder the Kanaka Maoli community from preserving their traditions; rather, it should serve as a catalyst for a collective effort to strengthen cultural identity.
Educate
By actively engaging in educational initiatives, we aim to dispel misconceptions and provide a more nuanced understanding of Hawaiʻi's culture, history, and values. Through interactive workshops, cultural events, and informative outreach programs, we seek to reveal the depth and richness of our culture, fostering a sense of appreciation and respect among all who seek to know it better.
In doing so, we hope to encourage a more profound cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and a renewed sense of unity among the diverse communities that coexist in the local community.
Community
UMEKE's foundation rests upon the cherished traditional Hawaiian value of lōkahi, which embodies the concept of working together in harmonious collaboration with our diverse communities. This deeply-rooted value is the cornerstone of our mission, emphasizing the importance of mālama, or caring for, the reciprocal relationships we endeavor to cultivate, recognizing that our differences can serve as sources of strength and inspiration.
This entails not only caring for one another but also for the environment, culture, and traditions that shape our shared identity.
Local Elementary School Partners with UMEKE to Provide Cultural-Based Music Education
September 5, 2022
In an exciting community partnership with Oceanside's MacAuliffe Elementary School, UMEKE will be engaging with local cultural practitioners to provide choral music education accompanied by hula and ʻukulele, funded by Chorus America's Music Education Grant. This project identifies the significant Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) population in the Oceanside area and aims to foster NHPI identity and cross-cultural learning to create equity across all populations.
