ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia.
No task is too big when done together by all.
This qualitative study explored conceptualizations of historical trauma using a culturally grounded talk story approach with 40 NH participants, from makua ʻōpio (young adults) to kupuna (elders), across the Pae ʻĀina (Hawaiian Islands).
Eight themes and 26 subthemes emerged reflecting manifestations of HT and contemporary stressors, including the central theme Ke ola ʻana ma ka ʻōnaehana kaumaha: Hoʻokele i ka ʻino (Living in an imposed system: Navigating colonial structures). Additional subthemes illuminated pathways of healing and resilience, such as He kāhua ka ʻāina i ka hoʻōla (ʻĀina is central to healing).
Findings further highlight the importance of institutionalized mechanisms for NH governance and decision-making to address gaps in existing systems. Despite enduring trauma, NH resilience rooted in ʻāina and community affirm the essential role of Indigenous knowledge systems in advancing collective healing, wellbeing, and equitable policy in Hawaiʻi.
Presentations
This work was presented at the Institute on Violence Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) 23rd Annual Hawai‘i International Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii in April 2025. Below are photos from our presentation.
