Tag Archive for: Opinions

Addressing Food Scarcity for a Sustainable Future

Editorial Series by Sara Yamtich: Part 3 of 3 – Food sovereignty issues by looking at colonial past 🌱✊

To understand our present challenges and prepare for the future, we must delve into the roots of food scarcity on Maui. Historical land dispossession and economic marginalization have contributed to the struggles we face today. As we work towards a future of food security, it’s essential to build on the strengths of our community and honor the land’s capacity to sustain us.

Our mission is not just to provide immediate relief but to foster long-term resilience and self-sufficiency. This involves…

Supporting Local Agriculture: By partnering with local farmers, we help ensure a steady supply of fresh, nutritious food while supporting the local economy.

Community Education: We offer programs that teach sustainable farming practices, traditional food preparation, and the importance of food sovereignty.

Building Strong Networks: We collaborate with other organizations to create a robust network of support, ensuring that resources are efficiently distributed and that no one in our community goes hungry.

Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to healthy food, where the land is respected and nurtured, and where the community thrives. Join us in this journey towards food sovereignty and sustainability.

🌺 Your support and involvement are crucial in making this vision a reality. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, you can help create a more equitable and resilient Maui.

#FoodSovereignty #SustainableMaui #CommunitySupport #HealingHungerHawaii

A Glimpse Into Maui’s Colonial Past

Editorial Series by Sara Yamtich: Food sovereignty issues by looking at colonial past 🌱✊

Part 2 of 3: A Glimpse Into Maui’s Colonial Past

Maui’s serene landscapes and vibrant culture mask a turbulent history of colonization that profoundly shaped the island’s socio-economic structure. From the arrival of missionaries and settlers in the 1820s, who introduced drastic changes to land ownership and traditional lifestyles, to the strategic political maneuvers that led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, Maui’s history is a testament to the resilience of its native people.

This economic and political transformation continued until Hawaii’s annexation by the United States in 1898, and its eventual statehood in 1959. These events not only altered the islands’ governance but also left lasting impacts on the native Hawaiian community and culture.

Today, as we appreciate Maui’s beauty, it’s crucial to acknowledge and respect its complex past—a history that underpins the significance of ongoing efforts to preserve and honor Hawaiian heritage and rights. As part of this journey, it is vital for us to actively engage in righting historical wrongs, ensuring that we move forward with a deep commitment to justice and equity for the native Hawaiian community.

🌿 #MauiHistory #HawaiianCulture #RespectThePast #JusticeAndEquity

Embracing Our Kuleana

Editorial Series by Sara Yamtich: Food sovereignty issues by looking at colonial past 🌱✊

Today, we pose the question: How do we address food scarcity, not just today, but into the future? To face this challenge, we must look to the past.

In the spirit of aloha ‘āina—love of the land—we are guided by a deep commitment to heal and nurture both our land and our community. It’s not an easy topic to discuss, and we recognize the importance of being transparent about our histories and the ongoing impacts of colonization.

As descendants of settlers and colonizers in the Hawaiian Kingdom and beyond, we acknowledge our unique kuleana (responsibility) to actively engage in the restoration and support of the communities and environments we inhabit.

This responsibility compels us to grapple with our past, understand the impacts of colonization, and move forward with intentional actions that contribute to a sustainable and equitable future for all. By volunteering with our organization, you are not just giving time—you’re participating in a mutual exchange that honors and uplifts the dignity of every community member.

Together, let’s continue to co-create a culture of support and resilience. Join us in our journey of service and stewardship, helping to create a thriving Maui that respects and reflects the true spirit of the island.

🌺 Join us, learn, and grow as we tackle the challenges of today with hope and action. Be a part of our movement towards a future where every member of our community feels seen, supported, and valued.