Explorations and Understandings of Native
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WHAT IS HAWAIIAN?: EXPLORATIONS AND UNDERSTANDINGS OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN COLLEGE WOMEN’S IDENTITIES V. Leilani Kupo A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY August 2010 Committee: Dr. Maureen E. Wilson, Advisor Dr. Vikki Krane Graduate Faculty Representative Dr. Patricia K. Kubow Dr. Dafina L. Stewart © 2010 V. Leilani Kupo All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Dr. Maureen E. Wilson, Advisor This qualitative study used narrative data to explore and understand eight Native Hawaiian college women’s conceptions of identity. The utilization of personal storytelling and narrative provided opportunities for deeper exploration and understandings of Hawaiian identity. In addition, the use of Tribal Critical Race Theory (TribalCrit), identity performance constructs, and intersectionality research helped framed the study and provided lenses that acknowledged the impact colonization, societal expectations, and performance of self had on identity construction and understanding. The findings revealed that although all of the women acknowledged the importance of different facets of their identities, their Hawaiian cultural identities were the most significant for each of them. In-depth interviews enabled exploration of their definitions and conceptions of Hawaiian identity. Participants reflected on their experiences involving identity performance, cultural competency, and validation and described ways in which facets of their identities intersected to create unique lived experiences. In addition, participants reflected on their university experiences and discussed how the college experience shaped their understandings of identity. iv This work of aloha is dedicated to my mom and dad, Karen and Leonard “Butch” Kupo, Jr., who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Hali’aloha [In loving memory]. To my Grandma and Grandpa Kupo. I am who I am today because of you. To the wāhine who shared your stories with me. Without each of you this work would never have become a reality. I stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before me and learn the knowledge of my ancestors every day. Mālama pono v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A very special mahalo to the generous and kind wāhine who shared their stories with me (Kanoe, Ke’a, Matilda, Mokihana, Pōmai, Rose, U’i, and Undergrad). Mahalo nui loa for trusting me enough to share your wisdom and knowledge. Your experiences are truth and continue to reframe the meaning of Hawaiianness. I dedicate this project to each of you. Aloha no. To the generous and fantastic members of my dissertation committee: Drs. Maureen E. Wilson, Patricia K. Kubow, Vikki Krane, and Dafina L. Stewart. Without your encouragement and enthusiasm I would not have been able to complete this project. Mahalo for challenging, supporting, and inspiring me throughout this process. I am a better person because of each of you. A most heartfelt mahalo to Drs. Lilikala Kame’eleihiwa, Michael Pavel, Kristen Renn, Stephanie Waterman, and Erin Kahunawaika’ala Wright who generously shared their time and insight with me. I appreciate the guidance each of you gave me throughout this process. Your work gives me hope and continues to inspire me. It is because of each of you that I have the courage to stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before me. Mahalo nui loa to Dr. Lilikala Kame’eleihiwa who confirmed the need for me follow my heart and research issues that are important to the Kanaka Māoli/Native Hawaiian community. You reminded me how important it is to be inspired by and learn from my kūpuna and the ‘āina. Mahalo nui loa to Dr. Erin Kahunawaika’ala Wright. This project could not have occurred without your generosity, guidance, and support. Mahalo for taking a chance on me and being a wonderful role model. You truly embraced me with the spirit of aloha. You give me hope and have encouraged me to continue this work. vi To my mom and dad, Karen and Leonard “Butch” Kupo, Jr. Thank you for your unconditional love and support. You have taught me the importance of family, education, and trust. Both of you have earned this degree with me. Yes, you both will have a doctorate by proxy. To the‘ohana Lahapa. I am the person I am today because of my ‘ohana and am a reflection of those who came before me. Your love has taught me the importance of sacrifice, aloha, and mālama. I have learned valuable lessons from each of you. To Auntie Lani Valko, and Auntie Jan Kalolo. Your encouragement and confidence in me have inspired me to continue my education and to reconnect with the traditions and beliefs of ancient and contemporary Hawai’i. Each of you taught me how to live a life full of aloha. Mahalo nui loa to the ‘ohana Duldulao, especially Auntie Gay and Uncle Sonny. Thank you so much for supporting me throughout my data collection process. I cherished every minute I spent with all of you. I will never be able to truly thank you for all you have done for me. And to the Palekaiko gang, mahalo for keeping me grounded throughout this process and making sure I was “keepin’ it real.” Hali’a aloha [In fond memory] of my grandparents. Aloha nui loa to Leonard “Leo” and Grace Kupo, Sr. Both of you showed me that through love and education, all things are possible. Your kind lessons regarding our family, our connection to the ‘āina, and the importance of learning from our past taught me about the spirit of aloha and what it means to be Hawaiian. I complete this project for you. To my fantastic friends and colleagues: Mary Ann Begley, Vanessa Cozza, Vanessa Elola, Cassandra Jones, Kerry Jones, Lisa Kirchner, Georgianna Martin, Becky Martinez, Xyan Neider, Amanda Suniti Niskodi-Dossett, Michelle Rodems, and Jared Tuberty. Each of you vii made this process more bearable. I appreciate your willingness to challenge, complicate, and support me throughout this educational journey. Your insights and wisdom were so generous and appreciated. I am so thankful to have each of you in my life. Here’s to our future in the academy and our continued friendships. Thank you for sharing this journey with me! Aloha kaua. To my ever supportive and wonderful friends: Sarah Eng, Katie Johnson, Heather Menne, Carrie Schneider, and Stephanie Scudder. Your friendship and willingness to listen to my academic absurdity was so much appreciated over these past four years. Traveling on this long, winding road would not have been the same without each of you. And last, but not least, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to the organizations that financially supported this dissertation project. Mahalo nui loa. Without the generous financial support provided by the ACPA Commission on Professional Preparation- Nevitt Sanford Research Award, the ACPA Educational Leadership Foundation, and Bowling Green State University Higher Education and Student Affairs Department, this research project could not have been completed. viii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page GLOSSARY .......................................................................................................................... xv CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1 Purpose of the Study .................................................................................................. 4 Research Questions .................................................................................................... 4 Significance of the Study ........................................................................................... 5 Terminology ............................................................................................................ 7 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW………. ................................................................. 10 Who are the True Native Hawaiians? ........................................................................ 10 Hawaiians in Context……………………………………….. ....................... 12 Conception, Definition, and Identity ............................................................. 13 Demographic Overview ............................................................................................. 14 Multiraciality of Native Hawaiians ................................................................ 15 Socioeconomics and Education ..................................................................... 16 Colonization and Identity ............................................................................... 17 Native Hawaiians and Education ............................................................................... 18 Indigenous Students and Higher Education ................................................... 18 Value of Education ........................................................................................ 19 Higher Education Research ............................................................................ 19 Indigenous Education: An International Perspective ................................................. 20 Recognition of the Problem ........................................................................... 21 Indigenous Ways of Knowing ....................................................................... 22 ix Indigenous Education..................................................................................... 24 Identity Development Research ................................................................................. 26 Identity Development Models.......................................................................