The Integration of Indigenous Aquaculture Practices | Part 2: Hui Mālama Loko i'a Gathering

Photo: Nicole Norris

Photo: The Hui

FEBRUARY 5-8, OAHU, Hawai’i — It was February, my stomach was in knots of excitement because I was flying to Hawai’i, a place I’ve never been! In an experience like no other, witnessing an ancient Loko i’a, a Hawaiian fishpond! The coronavirus (COVID-19) was in the background and giving me hesitating thoughts while on this trip.

I traveled with the following Swinomish Tribal Community members, leadership, and staff: Larry Campbell, JoJo Jefferson, Alana Quintasket, JJ Wilbur, Joey Williams, Myk Heidt and her husband Ed, Julie Barber, and Courtney Greiner. We travelled with representatives, students and affiliates from the First Nations in Canada, the University of Washington’s Sea Grant, and the Northwest Indian College.

While on the plane ride across the ocean, my ancestors came to mind, I will understand “why” later on, near the end of the trip. A piece of me was discovered on this journey; a layer of connection was unfolded with the expansion of my horizon. A gathering of sharing Indigenous knowledge and culture; and building relations across the sea. It was how the warm wind blew above my shoulders and the way it rained on my face, the force and magnitude of all who protects these volcanic islands were present, especially at night.

It was the spirit of their language that unified our Hawaiian Native hosts. I found myself longing for that same connection. The hospitality of being treated like family made those of us who welcome others as family feel right at home!

It was the first day of the summit when we witnessed how the Natives of this land offer prayer in their Hawaiian language, and gifting the water. Our first meal, and every meal thereafter during our stay, had local foods that came from the ocean and the land; it doesn’t get any fresher than that!

Then, the work began! The Loko i’a fish pond we worked on was the Pae Pae Hei’eia. I treasured every moment of putting my hands in the mud and moving rocks — all while listening to locals speak about their traditional knowledge of this ancient practice of building a rock wall that will be firmly stable for centuries.

There were exchanges of traditional knowledge through the sharing of our creation stories. I had the opportunity to share a few legends of Swinomish with some of the locals: The Boy with the Magic Robe; Sun, Moon, and Stars; and Ko kwhal alwhoot, the Maiden of Deception Pass.

I didn’t participate, but there was another group that was in the water collecting an invasive seaweed. It was said that historically the females would gather the seaweed while the males built the rock wall.

While we were dredging and stacking rocks, I learned some traditional Hawaiian history. This is how I interpreted it: » The Hawaiian people have an intrinsic relationship with what they describe as being protectors, or shape-shifters, that protect each fish pond — hence, the gifting to the water and the rituals performed as a people. » There are very large beings, who I believe are in the afterlife, who run with torches protecting the volcano leaving their imprints along the edges at night. » The Hawaiian Gods live on the island at what is currently known as Pearl Harbor.

It was so healing for me to have had the privilege of exchanging our cultural histories. I learned so much and feel as if my own horizon expanded once I connected with this culture.

The days following the first day were filled with workshops held by various participants who shared their cultural knowledge. Examples include: Yellow Cedar foot bath bags; sunscreen; turmeric health tonics; cedar roses; and wool weaving. We also visited a sacred site where we had the opportunity to swim next to a double waterfall. On my very last day, our group chose to travel to an ancient fish pond that was recently discovered on Pearl Harbor. Our hosts began with a prayer and asked that we think of one of our ancestors to bring in with us to the sacred site of one of the oldest fish ponds. I chose my late aunt, Susan Wilbur. I’m deeply thankful that our hosts acknowledged our ancestors, which is a layer of a connection I never knew could be unfolded.

I had to leave for the airport is a growing network of

that very day. As I was giving my gratitude and offering my appreciation to one of the Hawaiian elders, he said, “When the settlers arrived here, some of our people travelled by water to where you all come from.” He put his hand up and said, “We’re family!”

It was as if our stars aligned – an experience like no other! Our Swinomish tribal journey of embracing a connection to the ancient aquaculture practice has

Loko i‘a (Hawaiian fishponds) are unique aquaculture systems that exist throughout Hawai‘i, and continue to feed and connect communities around the islands. The Hui Mālama Loko iʻa (Hui) only begun!

fishpond practitioners and organizations from across ka paeʻāina o Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian archipelago).

Source: kuahawaii.org

JJ Wilbur, Jo Jo Jefferson, Alana Quintasket, Caroline Edwards, Myk Heidt, Joey Williams

Julie Barber, Melissa Poe, and Courtney Grenier

Larry Campbell and Nicole Norris