Posted by Uncle Charlie on October 31, 1998 at 16:43:36:
In Reply to: Re: He Mihi Aroha posted by Gene on October 30, 1998 at 22:33:11:
: :Walter, I am very new to the language of the islands.
: pleases excuse my ignorance. Is the language that
: you sent Hawaiian? Or is it Tahitian? I mean no insult,
: I am just no versed in the languages of Polynesia.
: Please let me know.
: Mahalo Nui,
: Gene
Kia Ora koe E Walter and Aloha Kalani. Mahalo a nui loa for your mana'o i'o on my site.
Gene, Walter is from Aoetearoa(New Zealand)and he speaks Maori. We are culturally related (Hawaiians & Maori) and our langauage, customs, beliefs(spiritual and cultural)are connected from ancient times. Presently our conditions are similar, living in this western society, yet having a sense of not belonging in this western world. We are born with cultural intincts from our Kupuna(ancestors, elders, etc.)yet we have to live in a society that does not understand or care that our values towards the land, the sea and the air clash with theirs. Yet they come to "our" islands to live and build and do not respect the land or resources as we do. This is the very difficult part of our lives we have to live with. Only another person with the koko (blood), can understand these feelings. I thank and encourage all others to come and learn because the more we can share our culture and educate others, then hopefully they will understand us better. So when we do or say things that might be "strange" to others, it is only our culture fiber and upbringing that demands to be heard. Mahalo a nui loa, Uncle Charlie