ʻAha Pūnana Leo
In 1983, ʻAha Pūnana Leo was created as a grassroots effort with the sole purpose of reviving olelo Hawaii. Now, ʻAha Pūnana Leo serves as a local, national and international model for language revitalization.
Over the past several decades, ʻAha Pūnana Leo established and built numerous programs throughout the islands, helped to lift a 90-year ban on teaching Hawaiian in public and private schools, advocated for other indigenous people and raised awareness about the consequences of the loss of indigenous languages.
Purpose of Activity
To drive and inspire change to ensure a living Hawaiian language in Hawaii and beyond, our organization is dedicated to the people we serve.
Activities
The Pūnana Leo Movement, aims to rebuild the origin of the Hawaiian Mana.
Pūnana Leo provides and nurtures a variety of Hawaiian environments.
History
- 1983
- Dr. William H. Wilson and others founded “Aha Pūnana Leo” as a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to revive olelo Hawaii.
- 1984
- The first ʻAha Pūnana Leo Preschool Hawaiian Medium Education program is established in Kekaha, Kauai, followed by 11 more sites statewide over the next two decades.
- 1986
- After years of advocacy, ‘Aha Pūnana Leo successfully works with the Hawaii State Legislature to pass a bill removing a 90-year ban on teaching in Hawaiian in public and private schools.
