“Memorializing Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask” with M. Healani Sonoda-Pale 

Brown Bag #792
“Memorializing Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask”
M. Healani Sonoda-Pale, Kanaka Maoli and Citizen of Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi
Cosponsored by Hamilton Library, the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Hui ʻĀina Pilipili: Native Hawaiian Initiative, the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, and the Departments of Ethnic Studies, Political Science, History, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Recorded on February 24, 2022
On January 17, 2022, hundreds gathered and marched to commemorate not only the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom but the passing of a great leader of the Kanaka Maoli people - Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask. Dr. Trask was born on October 3, 1949 into a political family with genealogical ties to the ruling chiefs of Maui and Kauaʻi islands. She dedicated much of her life to the uplifting of the native people of this land and helped raise generations of Aloha ʻĀina leaders, many of whom fight vigorously today to protect Hawaiʻi's lands, water, oceans, and sacred cultural sites and places. Her life's work of speeches and writings have had a rippling effect, inspiring and empowering thousands of native voices calling out for justice, landback, and independence. This talk will explore the effects she has had on the collective political consciousness of her people struggling to break free from the charred chains of colonialism.
Healani Sonoda-Pale is a citizen leader of Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi a native initiative for self-determination and self-governance. She was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu where her ancestors lived from time immemorial. For over 25 years Healani has served as an educator who has taught at Hawaiian immersion preschools and Hawaiʻi high schools and colleges. Currently, she is an outspoken advocate for the protection of Hawaiian lands, water, ocean resources and marine life, and iwi kūpuna. Healani sits on various community boards and is a member of the Oʻahu Water Protectors, a group of leaders who are calling for the shut down of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.