Nā Leo Kāne 2023 Stories
The last time we had an in-person gathering was 3 years ago, so we gathered at Hoʻoulu ʻĀina in Kalihi valley on the island of Oʻahu. The way the caretakers there, like Joey Miller and Casey Jackson, understand a reciprocal connection between caring for the people in their ahupuaʻa (subdivision of land going from the top of the mountain to the shore) by caring for the land, aligns with our vision of connection and community. Joey and Casey welcomed us to mālama ʻāina (care for the land) and shared stories of their sacred space. Casey reminded us to listen to the wisdom and knowledge passed down from our ancestors and to listen to our other community members–that includes the trees and other living things that surround us. As we worked together to help the land, we also got to share our hearts and vision for the year with our group. It was a great time to reconnect and realign with each other, our ʻāina, our mission, and purpose!