Why We Read Our Kūpuna’s Words in the Nūpepa For us today, social media and digital platforms are where we share our stories and talk about what matters. But back in the day, the nūpepa was where our kūpuna did that work. The Hawaiian newspapers were their version of our modern social media—a space to share thoughts, news, and debates, and to stay connected with each other and with the world. "Ke Aloha Aina" was a Hawaiian-language newspaper founded by Joseph Nāwahī in 1895. Nāwahī, a respected leader, politician, and artist, started the paper during a period of intense political upheaval in Hawaiʻi. He was a staunch defender of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a fierce opponent of the illegal overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893. Nāwahī used "Ke Aloha Aina" as a platform to rally support for Hawaiian independence and to educate people about the rights and sovereignty of the Hawaiian nation. The paper served as a voice for the Hawaiian community, advocating for the pre...
A space for engaging with the knowledge, voices, and lived experiences of our kūpuna.