The will once again host , a conference that unites Indigenous language specialists from around the world to witness efforts in revitalizing ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) through education. After being held online during the COVID-19 pandemic, the biennial conference returns in person March 10–11, providing a unique opportunity to observe Hawaiian as a medium of instruction from preschool to the PhD level.
This year’s theme, “No ʻAneʻi Ko Kākou Ola” (Our Identity Is From This Place—Connecting Back to the Homeland), highlights the link between ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi revitalization and similar efforts among Native American and Indigenous communities globally.
“It is exciting to join so many others in discussing the future of Indigenous and endangered languages around the world,” said William H. “Pila” Wilson, a Hawaiian studies professor and linguist at 糖心Vlog官方 贬颈濒辞’蝉 .“By working together, we can create a brighter future for all.”
The conference is held following 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补’s held March 6–9.
ʻŌlelo lives
Known as the “Hilo Field Study,” participants will explore 糖心Vlog官方 贬颈濒辞’蝉 Hawaiian language college, home to the nation’s only BA to PhD ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi medium program. The tour will also include a visit to Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, the largest Indigenous language medium school in the U.S., where students receive a full preschool-through-12th-grade education entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. Additionally, attendees will visit the 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo , which blends Indigenous knowledge and modern science.
Preserving Indigenous languages
Panel discussions will focus on supporting Hawaiian-speaking communities and connecting with the Native Hawaiian diaspora. Discussions will also highlight how 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo prepares students to navigate life in communities where Indigenous languages remain minority languages in their own lands, similar to ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. According to 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo linguists, Hawaiian-speaking communities in Hilo share many similarities with diaspora communities in large cities, where families often have mixed racial and linguistic identities in an increasingly globalized world.
Indigenous language revitalization
In 2023, 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo received a $6.6 million grant from the to establish a National Native American Language Resource Center. The award is the first of its kind to lead, advocate for and implement training and resource development for Indigenous language education pathways in the U.S.