HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hoʻopili Tribal Council, formerly known as the Oahu Intertribal Council, is dedicated to promoting and celebrating Native American and Indigenous cultures in Hawaiʻi.
Led by Lisa Kaʻanʻoʻi, the council is a diverse group representing various tribes, including Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native and Okinawan heritage. Their mission is to foster cultural awareness and unity through educational programs, community events and traditional celebrations.
The council organizes the annual Intertribal Powwow at the Bishop Museum, showcasing traditional and modern dances, arts, crafts and educational demonstrations.
Beyond the powwow, they engage in activities like arts and crafts workshops, frybread fundraisers and awareness events for issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and boarding school impacts.
The council also works to connect Native Americans in Hawaiʻi, offering a space for cultural exchange and community support.
The Role of the Hoʻopili Tribal Council
The Hoʻopili Tribal Council, formerly known as the Oahu Intertribal Council, plays a crucial role in organizing and supporting these cultural events.
The council is made up of members from various tribes, reflecting its commitment to an inclusive and diverse representation.
Kaʻanʻoʻi, who has been involved in powwows for over 20 years, explained how the council supports the community year-round.
In addition to organizing the powwow, the council conducts educational presentations at schools, hosts arts and crafts workshops and participates in awareness campaigns.
For example, the council hosts a frybread fundraiser and supports Boarding School Awareness Day on September 30, a day to honor survivors of the boarding school era.
Kaʻanʻoʻi shared, “Our powwow is like our grand finale each year, but we stay active throughout the year with various events and educational programs.”
Connecting with the community
For Native Americans living in Hawaiʻi, the powwow is a significant opportunity to connect with their cultural roots and other community members.
As Kaʻanʻoʻi noted, “Finding and connecting with other Native Americans in Hawaiʻi can be challenging due to our dispersed population. Events like this powwow help us come together and strengthen our community ties.”
If you are Native American and wish to connect with the council, Kaʻanʻoʻi encouraged reaching out through their social media platforms or attending their events.
The council is also open to volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds who want to learn more about Indigenous cultures and contribute to these meaningful events.
Supporting and Learning
If you’re not Native American but are interested in supporting the council and learning more, there are several ways to get involved.
Kaʻanʻoʻi suggested volunteering at events, attending educational sessions, and participating in cultural demonstrations.
“We welcome everyone who is curious and wants to learn,” she said. “Our powwow is a great way to start.”
Attendees will also have the chance to see demonstrations at Ala Moana Center Stage before the powwow, where dancers and performers will share a preview of what to expect.
These performances aim to spark interest and invite the public to the main event.
Remembering and honoring
An important part of the powwow’s mission is to honor and remember the past, including the challenges faced by Native American communities. Kaʻanʻoʻi explained the significance of events like Orange Shirt Day, which is observed on Sept. 30 to raise awareness about the impact of residential schools on Indigenous children.
“It’s a day to remember and honor the survivors and victims of the boarding school era,” she said. “It’s important to acknowledge these histories and support those who are still healing.”
For more information and to get involved, click here. You can watch Kaʻanʻoʻi’s full interview in the video above.
For those who want to learn more about these issues, there will be booths dedicated to MMIW and boarding school awareness at the powwow. These booths will provide educational materials and opportunities to donate to related causes.