Kanu i ka ʻĀina (Planting the seeds): Investing in the next generation of Indigenous stewards and scientist

Dr. Kanoe Morishige (PhD) shares her career journey as a Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) scientist and cultural specialist with NOAA over the last three years, and how Indigenous community partnerships helped students overcome systemic barriers and build the next generation of Kānaka ʻŌiwi scientists and young leaders through support from NOAA Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. The Kūʻula course was created in the Marine Science Department and provided life changing experiences for Kānaka ʻŌiwi, Pacific Islander, and local students to weave Indigenous and western knowledge systems through building relationships with communities through service to people and place. Morishige strives to pass the torch to future generations of Kānaka ʻŌiwi scientists, educators, and practitioners, who are all members of the communities we call home.