Native Stories

ʻOpio ProgramInterviewed by Kailua High (@kailuahigh) School Early College course in Journalism 201.At Ulupō Heiau (@uluponui) in Kailua Oahu, student from Kailua High School interview Kihei de Silva. He shares his families history in taking care of heiau and land, the mele he wrote for Ulupō and those that take care of it, and his journey to becoming a well known storyteller in Kailua.

Interviewed by Nanea Lo

Kyle Harmon (@xfactorsports22) describes history and his involvement with Nanticoke Nation (www.nanticokeindians.org) He is from Salisbury, Maryland and is a member of the Nanticoke Nation; He currently lives in Columbia, Maryland with his wife Cat and their three children Dominique, Preston, and Julius. Mr. Harmon was elected to serve as a Tribal Council Member in January 2016. He has taken an active role in strengthening the community through education and wellness programs. His term ended in December 2018. He was chosen to serve on the board of directors of Native American Lifelines Inc. in January 2020.

He is a veteran teacher and basketball coach of 14 years. Mr. Harmon has done consultation work and travels to schools, organizations, and communities across Turtle Island or Northern America to teach his traditional Indigenous knowledge and Native culture. He is the author of a book Preston Lee Morris: A Soldier, A Man, A Father. Currently writing his second book which is a timeline of Eastern Shore Natives of the Delmarva Peninsula.

Physical copies can be purchased at hawanerios.com.Happy Motherʻs Day to all the makuahine. Ikaika Bishop (@Ikaikaflies) interviewed Hāwane Rios (@hawanemusic). Mahalo to @puacase mama of Hāwane for setting up this interview. Hāwane is a kanaka ʻōiwi (native Hawaiian), mana wahine, kiaʻi of Mauna o Wākea, singer and songwriter from Waimea, Hawaii. She shars her journey to the mauna, as a songwriter and singer, and she thanks the many people that have come before. Congratulations for the Nā Hōkū Hanohano nominations in 6 categories this year.Her music is available on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer. Physical copies can be purchased at hawanerios.com.

Interviewed by Nanea Lo

Daryn is Diné (Navajo), N’dé (Mescalero Apache) as well as Ashkenazi Jewish and Spaniard. He is a current student at Arizona State University studying Sustainable Community Development and currently resides in O’odham territory (Phoenix, AZ). His interests are in environmental planning with an emphasis on sustainable ecosystems. He is a native practitioner and does beadwork pieces in which he sells through my Instagram shop @oceansun.bear. He donates 10% of my sales to the Navajo Water Project who provides running water and electricity for Navajo Families.

Interviewed by Nanea Lo

Steven Hernandez of Detroit, Michigan. Steven is a CRA Compliance Specialist, Philanthropist, and Nonprofit Specialist that works with indigenous, native, and people of color.

He shares his work on philanthropy, working in the nonprofit sector, and relationship building with one another, your partner, and yourself.

Interviewed by Nanea Lo

Owen Oliver of the Quinault Nation grew up on the Salish Sea where he was able to learn traditions inter-tribally through the annual Canoe Journey. He shares his knowledge and experiences living in Washington and Alaska. Once at the University of Washington, he has been focusing on Indigenous education through community engagement and empowerment. He understands the importance of higher education and the skill sets that Native students can bring to every academic setting, ensuring new ways that success is achieved and determined. He’s been able to achieve a few of these goals through the American Indian Studies program and the undergraduate Native Organization First Nations where he works as the Outreach chair. As a Champion for Change for the Aspen Institute, Owen will be able to look outside the Coast Salish region and develop relationships that will lead to a better understanding of visibility, community work, and successes of Native students across North America.

Interviewed by Nanea Lo

Tremayne Nez from the Navajo Nation talks about his community and his experience in Washington D.C. for the Native American Political Leadership Program.

Interviewed by Nanea Lo

Shavaughna Underwood is a part of the Quinault Nation in Washington. She is a Champion for Change for the Center of Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute in the 2020 cohort. She currently is a human services professional who practices within her community.

Interviewed by Nanea Lo (@eananealo) via @SkypePeter C Brooks (https://www.facebook.com/peter.c.brooks) describes how his native people on the east parts of north america had merged with other cultures. He talks about his grandfather Cab Callow as black/African American but was also native. You can find Peter on Facebook or Youtube. He provides guided meditations online and other interesting services.

ʻOpio ProgramInterviewed by Kailua High School Early College course in Journalism 201.At Ulupō Heiau in Kailua Oahu, student from Kailua High School interview Kaleo Wong. He shares that every second Saturday the community is invited to participate in the restoration project, which began over twenty years ago. Kaleo shares his perspectives on Kawainui #Fishpond, and reflects upon his voyages as a #Navigator for the Hokulea. Their non-profit Kauluakalana.org accepts charitable donations to help grow, and develop activities for educational, cultural and social benefits. For more information you can email them at [email protected]