Kupu ka niu kupu ke kanaka: When Coconuts Grow, Humanity Flourishes

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 2:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Research and Remedy: Nurturing Our Indigenous Peoples and Protecting Our Environments (Table 7)

Abstract

Capitalistic epistemology and mono-cropping have had devastating consequences on Native and Indigenous societies around the world. These economic ideologies instilled by settler colonists permeated many lands, impacting the health and well-being of many Native communities, including that of Native Hawaiians. Through empowered actions by Dr. Manulani Aluli-Meyer, with Kumu Niu Indrajit Gunasekara and Jesse Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku, they are transforming food security through public education and experiential learning at the grassroots. This study examines the increasing relevance of Hawai'i's niu (coconut-coco nucifera) tree and its cultural significance of ancient placed-based practices, nutrition, and economic relationships connected to niu that were lost due to settler colonialism.

Author

• Renuka Mahari de Silva, University of North Dakota