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Australia & Oceania - The Past before Us: Moʻokūʻauhau as Methodology (Indigenous Pacifics)

Description

Book Synopsis: From the Foreword—“Crucially, past, present, and future are tightly woven in ‘Ōiwi (Native Hawaiian) theory and practice. We adapt to whatever historical challenges we face so that we can continue to survive and thrive. As we look to the past for knowledge and inspiration on how to face the future, we are aware that we are tomorrow’s ancestors and that future generations will look to us for guidance.” ―Marie Alohalani Brown, author of Facing the Spears of Change: The Life and Legacy of John Papa ‘Ī‘ī

The title of the book, The Past before Us, refers to the importance of ka wā mamua or “the time in front” in Hawaiian thinking. In this collection of essays, eleven Kanaka ‘Ōiwi (Native Hawaiian) scholars honor their mo‘okū‘auhau (genealogical lineage) by using genealogical knowledge drawn from the past to shape their research methodologies. These contributors, Kānaka writing from Hawai‘i as well as from the diaspora throughout the Pacific and North America, come from a wide range of backgrounds including activism, grassroots movements, and place-based cultural practice, in addition to academia. Their work offers broadly applicable yet deeply personal perspectives on complex Hawaiian issues and demonstrates that enduring ancestral ties and relationships to the past are not only relevant but integral to contemporary Indigenous scholarship.

Chapters on language, literature, cosmology, spirituality, diaspora, identity, relationships, activism, colonialism, and cultural practices unite around methodologies based on mo‘okū‘auhau. This cultural concept acknowledges the times, people, places, and events that came before; it is a fundamental worldview that guides our understanding of the present and our navigation into the future. This book is a welcome addition to the growing fields of Indigenous, Pacific Islands, and Hawaiian studies.

Contributors:

  • Hōkūlani K. Aikau
  • Marie Alohalani Brown
  • David A. Chang
  • Lisa Kahaleole Hallku‘ualoha ho‘omanawanui
  • Kū Kahakalau
  • Manulani Aluli Meyer
  • Kalei Nu‘uhiwa
  • ‘Umi Perkins
  • Mehana Blaich Vaughan
  • Nālani Wilson-Hokowhitu

Details

The Past before Us: Moʻokūʻauhau as Methodology is a groundbreaking book that delves into the rich history and cultural heritage of Native Hawaiians. Written by eleven Kanaka ‘Ōiwi scholars, this collection of essays explores the significance of genealogical knowledge in shaping research methodologies. By drawing from the past, these scholars offer unique perspectives on complex issues, such as language, literature, spirituality, and identity.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on mo‘okū‘auhau, the Hawaiian concept of acknowledging and honoring the ancestors and the events that came before. It is through this ancestral lens that these scholars provide invaluable insights into contemporary Indigenous scholarship. Whether you are an academic, activist, or simply interested in the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii, this book is a must-read.

With contributions from prominent scholars like Marie Alohalani Brown and Manulani Aluli Meyer, this book brings together a diverse range of perspectives rooted in activism, grassroots movements, and cultural practice. These scholars have not only deep knowledge but also personal connections to the subject matter, making their writing both informative and deeply engaging.

As we navigate the challenges of the present and look towards the future, The Past before Us serves as a guiding light. By understanding our past, we are better equipped to shape a better future for ourselves and future generations. Click here to order your copy now and embark on a transformative journey into the rich cultural heritage of Native Hawaiians.

Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this website