I ka wā ma mua, ka wā ma hope
The future is found in the past.
teaching philosophy
Integral to Native Hawaiian or Kānaka ‘Ōiwi epistemology is our orientation in the present to ka wā ma mua or the past to assist us in our pathway forward. Our orientation to ka wā ma mua is necessary as it ensures that we as ‘Ōiwi remain grounded in our culture while also perceiving the present from a multitude of perspectives. To perceive the present from a multitude of perspectives assists us in ascertaining how to embody our cultural values to root our connections or pilina in a foundation of aloha. Dr. Haunani Kay Trask, citing Dr. Lilikalā Kame‘eleihiwa, explains ka wā ma mua further stating:
“In our language, the past (ka wa mamua) is the time in front or before; the future (ka wa mahope) is the time that comes after. In the words of our best living Native historians, Lilikalā Kame‘eleihiwa… ‘The Hawaiian stands firmly in the present, with his back to the future, and his eyes fixed upon the past, seeking historical answers for present–day dilemmas. Such an orientation is the Hawaiian an eminently practical one, for the future is always unknown whereas the past is rich in glory and knowledge.’”
As a developing teacher or kumu, this orientation to ka wā ma mua informs how I navigate teaching in three distinct ways: 1) helping me to cultivate a foundation of aloha, 2) helping me to remain accountable, and 3) helping me to seek feedback as an opportunity for growth and evolution. The result of my orientation to the past ensures that I retain the means to act as a foundation for my students to help them thrive in multicultural and multi-disciplinary Environments.
“You have been very influential in my academic journey and served as a great motivator. Whenever I had a question about anything, you made it very easy to feel like I could go to you and I would get a very helpful response. For me, you served as more than just an educator over these last two semesters. You became someone that I really look up to and admire. You were also someone who I felt supported me throughout my journey and words can't begin to express how much I appreciate that…I feel like I can pretty confidently say that if it weren't for the role that you played in my education and the way you taught me to believe in myself I would not have gotten asked to be a preceptor.”
— Former Student