What role does decolonization play in education and environmental sustainability? How does reconnecting with traditional practices and language provide a pathway for healing in the face of colonization?

Today’s guest is Dr. Ty Kāwika Tengan, a professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and a leading scholar on Hawaiian culture, indigenous masculinity, and decolonization. Dr. Tengan’s work bridges academic discourse with indigenous knowledge, focusing on the revitalization of the Hawaiian language, culture, and traditions amidst the impacts of colonization and modern tourism. His research and community efforts promote healing, education, and sustainability in Hawaiian communities.

In this episode, we delve into the deep history of Hawaiian culture, exploring how indigenous language, identity, and connection to the land are crucial for preserving the past and ensuring a sustainable future. Dr. Tengan sheds light on the significance of the Kumalipo—a 2,000-year-old genealogical chant—and its role in connecting the Hawaiian people to their origins, the universe, and all living things. We also explore the environmental challenges Hawaii faces, including the destructive wildfires and the need to restore water flows to prevent future ecological disasters. Dr. Tengan shares insights on the importance of preserving native languages for cultural continuity, the decolonization of education, and the revival of native Hawaiian charter schools that reconnect students with their heritage. The conversation emphasizes how re-engaging with ancestral practices and the natural environment can address both the historical wounds of colonization and modern societal challenges like tourism and environmental degradation.