Kahanuola Solatorio taught beginner Hawaiian language classes in Seattle, engaging nearly 200 Alaska Airlines employees in learning about their cultural heritage. The classes, part of the Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival, serve to reconnect participants with their ancestral identity. This initiative arises amidst a demographic shift where more Native Hawaiians now reside off the islands. Overall, the partnership reflects a significant commitment to honoring Hawaiian culture and language within the context of an emerging collaboration between Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines.
In the vibrant city of Seattle, a unique partnership is blossoming that intertwines the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi with the passions of individuals eager to connect with their roots. Led by Kahanuola Solatorio, a series of introductory ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) classes recently captivated nearly 200 eager learners, including Alaska Airlines employees, in an effort to bridge distances both geographical and cultural. On a sun-kissed Saturday, the air resonated with melodic chants as participants, amid laughter and shared stories, embarked on their journey into Hawaiian linguistics by asking, “Nohea mai ʻoe?”—a question that goes beyond the surface to explore one’s ancestral connections. This meaningful inquiry highlights the complex reality faced by many Native Hawaiians, especially as they navigate their identities in a world where, for the first time, more individuals of Hawaiian descent reside outside the islands than within them. As families increasingly migrate to the U.S. mainland, the longing for cultural integrity drives many, like Solatorio’s students, to engage with their heritage. Events like the annual Seattle Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival not only celebrate Hawaiian traditions but also serve as vital lifelines for those striving to maintain their cultural identity. “Hawaiian language is a part of the culture,” Solatorio emphasizes, articulating the necessity of merging language learning with identity preservation. Participants, like Christina Harris from O‘ahu, reflect the sentiments of many, yearning to pass down their cultural knowledge to the next generation, which shares a curiosity about their Hawaiian roots. The Live Aloha Festival, replete with the fragrances of traditional Pacific Island foods and the sights of vibrant lei making, acts as a cultural tapestry where threads of community intertwine. Lucy Purcell, co-founder of the Pacific Islander Alliance at Alaska Airlines, makes it clear that the festival is a profound opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the Hawaiian community. Moreover, the partnership has led to the expansion of language classes along the West Coast, where Solatorio’s teachings help employees at Alaska Airlines embrace and honor their ties to Hawaiʻi—especially in light of the airline’s proposed merger with Hawaiian Airlines. The sentiment is captured in the thoughts of Shawn Magin, who illustrates the depth of respect Alaska Airlines has for Hawaiian culture, expressing, “We hope our colleagues at Hawaiian Airlines know how much we value their rich culture and legacy.” In a world longing for connection—especially amidst the inquiries of new generations—Solatorio’s classes symbolize hope for the future of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. The dreams of a thriving Hawaiian culture extend beyond islands to permeate life throughout the mainland, echoing a vision where language, culture, and community flourish together.
The revival of the Hawaiian language symbolizes a broader cultural renaissance among Native Hawaiians, particularly those living away from their ancestral home. As the population of Native Hawaiians has shifted predominantly to the U.S. mainland, the necessity to reconnect with their heritage has prompted various initiatives, including language classes and cultural festivals. These engagements help foster connections with their ancestral origins, combatting the disconnection many feel due to geographical displacement. The Seattle Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival, supported by Alaska Airlines, represents one such opportunity, blending education with celebration, enabling participants to embrace and perpetuate their Hawaiian heritage.
The partnership between Kahanuola Solatorio and Alaska Airlines encapsulates the vibrant spirit of community engagement, cultural preservation, and personal connection to heritage. As individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, learning the profound beauty of the Hawaiian language, they forge bonds that transcend borders. Through initiatives like these, the essence of Hawaiian culture continues to thrive, ensuring that shared stories and traditions are passed on to future generations, reawakening and enriching the tapestry of identity among Native Hawaiians.
Original Source: news.alaskaair.com
