Mahi’ai Kahiko, Mahi’ai ‘Auana: Feeding Hawai’i with Indigenous Knowledge

Following open relationships with global nations that started in 1778, Hawai'i experienced a rapid decline in the Hawaiian population and their agroecological management systems. As part of efforts to redefine the contemporary food system of Hawai'i - one that relies on 90% imported foods and a weak local agricultural sector - we have worked to bring indigenous knowledge and practices regarding sustainable agroecosystems forward. Under the banner of the Indigenous Cropping Systems Laboratory, we have taken an interdisciplinary, trans-sector approach to embedding traditional knowledge and cultural values into our food system. I share my path and attempt to capture the essence of our broad approach to shifting the food system paradigm in Hawai'i with knowledge of indigenous systems.