Nana I Ke Kumu "Look to the Source"
We begin by recognizing and giving thanks to Akua, the Great Spirit, the Source and mystery of life, in us and around us. We begin by honoring our collective ancestors, from the four corners of the earth, whose knowledge of the Ways of the Earth and her plants and animals we seek to rediscover.
We Teach the children that the Earth is sacred and that we all are part of the great gift of life. Planting and caring for food plants helps us to put into practice the values of caring for the Earth and sharing with one another.
Always keep in mind that the Earth doesn't care about the color of your skin or who your parents are, and that living and being "Hawaiian" begins in that special place within us. Caring for the Earth brings us together, breaking down the walls of racism and artificial national boundaries.
We ask children if they have a garden where they live and why is it important to their family to be able to plant their own food. We also ask them to learn more about the important foods and eating traditions in their families and to share what they learn. To encourage the children to plant and eat kalo we often give them huli kalo (cuttings from taro shoots) to plant at home; the instructions we give them show them how to plant it in the ground or in pots for those children who live in apartments or have very imited backyard space.
The importance to children, indeed to all of us, of planting food and having a garden connot be overemphasized. Gardens are peaceful places, learning places, spiritual places, and caring for the Earth and her plants makes our minds, bodies and spirits strong and healthy.
Source:
Ka'ala Farm, Inc.
The Cultural Learning Center at Ka'ala
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