Isaiah Helekunihi Walker: Claiming Kuleana

How far are you willing to go to protect the place where you live, love and belong? Native Hawaiians have had to face this question regularly over the last century or so, as colonialism threatened, and continues to threaten, indigenous ways of being, playing and thriving in their islands. Professor/Surfer Isaiah Helekunihi Walker contextualises Hawaiian localism within the historical framework of waves of colonialism --  from the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom to the annual onslaught of the surfing industry on the fabled North Shore. Isaiah is the author of "Waves of Resistance: Surfing and History in Twentieth-Century Hawai'i." His research offers an alternative to the dominant, California-centric narrative of surfing, by offering a native history from the birthing grounds of surf culture. We also delve into the particular shaping of Duke Kahanamoku's public persona and legacy, question who has driven surf storytelling, reveal the gender bias in ancient Hawaiian moʻolelo (toward female surfers), and speak to the ancient sustainable food science of Ahupua'a, which allowed for surfing to exist as we know it. ....* "Kuleana  is a uniquely Hawaiian value and practice which is loosely translated to mean 'responsibility.' The word kuleana refers to a reciprocal relationship between the person who is responsible, and the thing which they are responsible for.For example, Hawaiians have a kuleana to our land: to care for it and to respect it, and in return, our land has the kuleana to feed, shelter, and clothe us, through this relationship we maintain balance within society and with our natural environment.".....Listen with Lauren L. Hill & Dave RastovichSound Engineer & Music By: Shannon Sol Carroll Additional music: ‘Evergreen’ by Band of Frequencies:  Men of Wood & Foam album  www.bandoffreqs.bandcamp.comJoin the conversation: @Waterpeoplepodcast Waterpeoplepodcast.comPhoto Credit: BYU HawaiiSend us Fan Mail...Co-Hosts + Production: Lauren L. Hill & Dave RastovichSound + Video Engineer: Ben J Alexander Theme song: Shannon Sol Carroll Additional music by Kai Mcgilvray   + Ben J Alexander Closing track: 'Sunseekers' by AndysixstringJoin the conversation: @Waterpeoplepodcast ...Thanks to our generous sponsors this season:Patagonia Australia: in business to save our home planetNgalung Kalla Eco Retreat: surf adventure paradise The Sunglass Fix: give your favourite sunglasses new lifeSodii: hydration for salty humans...Subscribe to our newsletter for BTS stories from making the podcast, and the books, films and music we’re currently into. Written by us + free to read.