I recently received an email that was a response from Chief Arvol Looking Horse regarding the Sedona deaths. His response gave me something to ponder about cultural exploitation. He states, "I would like to clarify that this lodge and many others are not our ceremonial way of life because of the way they are being conducted...our ceremonies are about life and healing...never has death been a part of our inikaga(life within). This particular practice is for purification. He states that in order to participate, you need to know the language, understand the hoailona and walk and teach the values of this culture that includes being "humble, wise, caring and compassionate." He also talks about money & greed, which is a foreign concept to his people. "Every effort was made to insure our way of life of who we are as traditional cultural People was made because these ways are for our future and all life upon the Grandmother Earth" he wrote.This is very relevant in Hawaiian culture too! I am so thankful that we have practitioners who follow protocol, who are very serious about ceremony and the consequences of not adhering to protocol. I'm thankful for these practitioners who embrace these values which are instilled and passed on to future generations under a watchful eye, and only until they are satisfied are we allowed to soar on our own. My fear is the commercialism of our culture, and how do we guarantee this from occurring? We cannot "police" the world!So what about the part that Chief Arvol Looking Horse says about needing to know the language? I've gotta admit that 'olelo makuahine is hard for me because it is foreign. I've lived most of my adult life on the mainland, but am so thankful that I've returned home to my roots, to my foundation. Ever mindful of my behavior and attitude, the most important goal is not to disrespect. So, I watch and absorb and wait for the day when kumu feels I'm ready to soar on my own...
Mahalo Kaohi for your mana'o. What do you know of intellectual property rights? I heard someone mention this as something to look into because of the exploitation of all Hawaiian things. The trademark is not something I've heard of, but is worth looking into.
Writing is a ritual everyday for me so I want to thank you for this opportunity to engage in a conversation with you on a matter that is so dear to me and my family. Commercializing our collectibles and crafts/culture practices was very much part of my life. In opposition to the greed and the lost of identity, I was still in the mode of the 'state' mindset. In 1979, I went to the states regulatory agency and registered 'Native Hawaiian' as a trademark, so that I could own what I produce and service. So that, no one could reproduce it without my refuting the authenticity of their product and service. Of course we have come a long way since the Kim Taylor Reece case.
I caution you that in the 80s the Hawaiian organizations did make an agreement with City Parks and Recreation for the validity of our crafts as well as rules. The Pacific Handcrafters Guild (Asians and Haole's) was on it at the time and demanded this policy or rules be embedded into the crafter's and their booths. What they actually did was give a free booth to our Na Kupuna's as in volunteer to share our culture. Therefore, narrowing down what could be produced as authentic. I belive we were down to one at that time and that was quilting. Much has changed since because of the Makahiki which is being usurped by the sex industry. "Make love not war" is a 'sick' recanting of our games and culture practices in today's times.
Speaking of "Make love not war" I recently have participated in a Makahiki Temple ritual on Kauai with aunty Nani and other Kumu's. In this light we are opposing the removal of our 'iwi' and building upon our graves. Nancy McMahon is the signture that allowed a two story building to be built over ancient graves consisting of women and children. She is the states preservation employee. She lives on Kauai at Wailua falls in a state mansion, runs around in a Humvee, and runs a side buisness. One can google it! She takes tourist to our secret caves and share areas that we don't have access because of Kapu as well as reasons beyond our control of not knowing or lack the educational understanding of science survey.
Just thought I would share my manao this morning. Kaohi
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Writing is a ritual everyday for me so I want to thank you for this opportunity to engage in a conversation with you on a matter that is so dear to me and my family. Commercializing our collectibles and crafts/culture practices was very much part of my life. In opposition to the greed and the lost of identity, I was still in the mode of the 'state' mindset. In 1979, I went to the states regulatory agency and registered 'Native Hawaiian' as a trademark, so that I could own what I produce and service. So that, no one could reproduce it without my refuting the authenticity of their product and service. Of course we have come a long way since the Kim Taylor Reece case.
I caution you that in the 80s the Hawaiian organizations did make an agreement with City Parks and Recreation for the validity of our crafts as well as rules. The Pacific Handcrafters Guild (Asians and Haole's) was on it at the time and demanded this policy or rules be embedded into the crafter's and their booths. What they actually did was give a free booth to our Na Kupuna's as in volunteer to share our culture. Therefore, narrowing down what could be produced as authentic. I belive we were down to one at that time and that was quilting. Much has changed since because of the Makahiki which is being usurped by the sex industry. "Make love not war" is a 'sick' recanting of our games and culture practices in today's times.
Speaking of "Make love not war" I recently have participated in a Makahiki Temple ritual on Kauai with aunty Nani and other Kumu's. In this light we are opposing the removal of our 'iwi' and building upon our graves. Nancy McMahon is the signture that allowed a two story building to be built over ancient graves consisting of women and children. She is the states preservation employee. She lives on Kauai at Wailua falls in a state mansion, runs around in a Humvee, and runs a side buisness. One can google it! She takes tourist to our secret caves and share areas that we don't have access because of Kapu as well as reasons beyond our control of not knowing or lack the educational understanding of science survey.
Just thought I would share my manao this morning. Kaohi