Ma‘iola is an indigenous health project of the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation. The project is funded by grant monies received from the U.S. Department of Education, and is one of seven subject areas established for the Native Hawaiian Curriculum Development, Teacher Training and Recruitment Program.

Ma‘iola commenced with operations in June 2000, and is slated for completion in September 2003. Throughout this three-year period, grant objectives specifically reflect several areas of accomplishment. In brief, this includes:

The Ma‘iola curriculum planning committee consists of four educators, each representing schools from within the State of Hawai‘i. Curriculum development efforts are based on grade level and subject area expertise, with unit themes geared toward traditional cultural, and current day western practices of healthcare.

The use of Traditional/Non-Traditional Literature and Oral Histories, as identified by curriculum committee members, serve as the basis or preferred method of teaching for this project. This, we believe, will provide for greater flexibility and adaptability of curriculum use.

In addition, project development efforts are supported by extensive research and demonstration site activities. Project personnel through varying avenues of data collections, work to provide meaningful information by which learning activities, appropriate to Hawaiian education, are developed.

The Ma‘iola Indigenous Health Curriculum, in line with Hawai‘i State Content & Performance Standards and the Native Hawaiian Education Program, will serve as an avenue for educators to better support native Hawaiian students. It will aid in the enhancement of cultural relationships and allow students the opportunity to identify a reference point from which learning will transpire.

The Ma‘iola project begins with the assumption that has guided our people since our farthest past:

“Our health depends upon the health of the land, the sea, and our understanding of the inter-relatedness of all things.”

Our Statement of Purpose

Ma‘iola is dedicated to the education of the native Hawaiian community in cultural health and healing practices.

Our focus is directed to the provision of quality educational opportunities of the Hawaiian healing through the cultural, social, familial and genealogical context.

Our Values

Community Development:
Encourage active participation of students, families and local communities to create a supportive environment.

Diversity:
Appreciate community diversity and honor each as a unique entity.

Empowerment:
Positively influence the promotion of healthy lifestyles through the sharing of knowledge.

Innovation:
Strive to find creative ways to afford the fullest potential for opportunities of success.

Integrity:
Provide services honestly, ethically and with integrity.

Professional Development:
Increase our personal skills and knowledge to achieve excellence in education.

Respect:
Treat each other and our clients with mutual respect, understanding and kindness.