CNHA Convention

One of the highlights for me at the last CNHA Convention were the artisans and practioners' displays in the lobby of the center. Here are some samples of Mr. Kuahiwi Lorenzo's exquisite featherwork.

Food Sovereignty

Outside of the CNHA convention hall were two unobtrusive but powerful statements. The first was a poi board (not seen and overturned) with the inscription of Queen Lili'uokalani's statement to temporarily place the Hawaiian government in US "hands" pending an appeal. She did this to avoid bloodshed.

The second statement is by Daniel Anthony. His goal is to feed the Hawaiian people the "food of the land" which is poi. He emphasizes this by pounding kalo throughout the three days and doing so clad only in his pü'ali. That is true Food Sovereignty!

Hawaiian Convention

Here are the works of my two new favorite Hawaiian artists along w/ my dear friend, Ipo Nihipali's AWESOME and MANA-FULL painting of Waimea Valley.

Ipo Nihihapali's MANAFULL painting of Waimea Valley

The 8th Annual Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) held their conference at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Many prominent Hawaiian leaders and workers were there along with Alaska Native and other Native American leaders to share and brainstorm ideas to advance the Hawaiian social, economic, political and cultural agenda. Representatives from the Obama administration were also there. Artists put on the Maoli Arts exhibition in a large convention room. Awesome.