Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative
Tags Student Projects

Queering Aloha ʻĀina

Research Projects

CNAIS 2024 concentrator, Kalikoonāmaukūpuna “Kaliko” Kalāhiki’s capstone project, "Queering Aloha ʻĀina," involved development of a podcast that uplifts māhū and queer kānaka voices and challenges prevailing theories and beliefs about identity. Their work aims to reclaim traditional identities within Ka Lāhui (a native initiative for self determination). In this podcast, Kalahiki shares insights from 13 interviews, spotlighting the experiences of māhū (third gender people with traditional spiritual and social roles within their cultures) and advocating for their recognition in Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) culture.