Within the last few weeks, Nā Kālai Waʻa has had the chance to connect with students at Kanu o ka ʻĀina via Zoom and within the classroom. I few things weʻve gone over with the students are waʻa genealogy, identifying the parts of the canoe, the 4 main directions, and our relationship to the environment on and off the canoe. Here are some photos and video sharing what the students have been learning.
Kanu students were given canvas and tape to layout the parts of the canoe that they learned about. When finished, they then were shown labeled pictures of a canoe to see if they were correct/wrong or if they missed any parts all together. They did a great job!
As the group of students stood in the field outside their campus, they were asked to close their eyes then turn and face the 4 different directions - North, South, East, and West. Uncle Chadd stood in the center and asked them to use the elements such and the sun and wind to help them identify which way to face.
With the help of Nā Kālai Waʻa staff, Kanu students put together a dance using the names of waʻa parts that they learned about. Putting these name in a form of an oli (chant) or hula (dance) can help student memorize the parts of the canoe. With the hand and body motions they use, it helps them connect an image of what the parts looks like, what itʻs purpose may be on the canoe, etc. helping them internalize their learning of waʻa even further.