Native Hawaiian

Chapter 1: Hierarchy Of Hawaiians

  • Introduction

    • Valerie, Samantha, and Grace are group 8 presenting on native Hawaiian history.

Polynesian Settlement

  • First humans to settle: Polynesians

    • Arrived in Hawaiian Islands around 1,200 AD.

    • Brought various animals and plants:

      • Pigs, dogs, chickens

      • Roots of kalo, sweet potatoes

      • Seeds of coconuts, bananas, sugarcane, mechanical plants.

European Contact

  • Captain James Cook's arrival

    • Year: 1778

    • First European to make contact with Hawaii, specifically Kauai.

Social Hierarchy

  • Kalahi (Chiefs)

    • Highest status within Hawaiian society.

  • Kahuna (Professionals)

    • Experts in spiritual practices, medicine, canoe building, and rituals.

  • Ma'kahaani (Commoners)

    • Responsibilities include farming, fishing, home-building, and tax payments to the lahi (chiefs)

  • Kawa (Outcasts/Slaves)

    • Comprised of war prisoners or villagers.

Health Beliefs

  • Lokahi

    • Concept of harmony among physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.

    • Emphasizes the importance of family in health.

Chapter 2: Cultural Historical Trauma

  • Impact of Social Structure on Health

    • Illness is a family issue requiring full involvement in medical care.

    • Key concepts:

      • Molima: Cooperation and helping each other

      • Kulina: Responsibility

      • Aloha: Love and compassion

      • Malama: To care for.

Illness Beliefs

  • Imbalance as a health concern

    • Result of the imbalance in the "local Okhai triangle".

    • Example: Ancestral wrongness affecting the spirit.

Historical Experiences Affecting Health Care Status

  • Cultural historical trauma experienced by indigenous people

    • Psychological, physical, and cultural aftermath due to colonialism.

    • Loss of social structures and effective racism/discrimination contribute to ongoing challenges.

  • Cultural wounding transmitted through generations

    • Results in feelings of disruption and helplessness.

Chapter 3: Necessary Health Care

Traditional Healing Methods

  • Many methods are culturally significant and passed down through generations.

  • Influenced by Native American beliefs around health and nature appreciation.

  • Traditional practices include:

    • Herbal treatments

    • Spiritual healings

    • Rituals and ceremonies.

  • Role of healers (especially religious leaders) is critical in traditional methods.

Health Care Issues

  • Complex mix of social, cultural, economic, and political factors affecting native Hawaiian health care.

Cultural Factors

  • Continued value of traditional healing methods leads to hesitance toward conventional medical care.

  • Historical mistrust of the health care system impacts engagement with traditional practices.

Economic Factors

  • Challenges include:

    • Poverty

    • Limited insurance coverage

    • Geographic barriers to accessing health services.

Political Factors

  • Lack of federal recognition as a sovereign nation restricts access to health resources available for federally recognized indigenous groups.

Overall Health Outcomes

  • These barriers lead to high rates of chronic diseases and poor health outcomes.

  • Importance of culturally appropriate, accessible health care solutions for native Hawaiians emphasized.

  • Ongoing challenges remain

    • Connection to land and environment, cultural engagement, and responsibility within the community noted as vital.

  • Embracing diversity along with the values of excellence and aloha continues to guide native Hawaiians.