Indigenous Taiwanese students visit OHA

Written by OHA Public Information Office, Thursday, 06 September 2007

A group of Indigenous Taiwanese students and their instructors visited the Office of Hawaiian Affairs boardroom today. The 37 students, from the Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei, Taiwan, led by Dr. Ahyee Lee, were on the fourth day of a 10-day Hawaiʻi trip.

Who speaks Indigenous Taiwanese?

The group came to Hawaiʻi hoping to learn about Hawaiian culture and issues affecting the Native Hawaiian people. While visiting the offices of OHA, the Indigenous Taiwanese group was welcomed by Trustee Chair Haunani Apoliona as well as Administrator Clyde Nāmuʻo.

Trustee Chair Haunani Apoliona greeted the group in the boardroom.

The  group was presented with lei and hoʻokipa, and welcomed with oli and pule by Hauʻoli Akaka and Kalani Akana of the Education Hale.

Akaka gave a presentation on ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, with the help of Akana, who correlated the Hawaiian Language with the Indigenous Taiwanese language. Dr. Awi Mona C.W. Tsai, translated difficult sections of the presentations for the Taiwanese contingent.

Hauʻoli Akaka talks with Dr. Ahyee Lee.

Kai Martell of gave a presentation on Native Rights.

The Indigenous Taiwanese gave a presentation of their music.

For a gallery of photos from their boardroom visit, please visit this link .

The group was welcomed with lei and hoʻokipa.

OHA Administrator Clyde Nāmuʻo waited while Dr. Awi Mona C.W. Tsai translated his comments for the group.