UH-Hilo Hawaiian Language College Wins Award

The college of Hawaiian language at the University of Hawaii at Hilo has been honored by an organization devoted to advancing educational opportunities for native Americans.

The Ka Haka `Ula O Ke`elikolani College of Hawaiian Language is one of the recipients of the 2013 William Demmert Cultural Freedom Award from the National Indian Education Association.

The UH-Hilo college was recognized for its work in Hawaiian language revitalization and its positive impact on native student academic achievement.

The award was presented earlier this month to Keiki Kawai`ae`a, the language school’s director, during the NIEA’s 44th Annual Convention & Tradeshow held in Rapid City, SD.

Established in 1970, NIEA is recognized as the premier organization for advancing comprehensive educational opportunities for American Indians, Alaska natives and native Hawaiians throughout the United States.

“This award is a great honor, which recognizes over a generation of work that has made the college a leader in language and cultural revitalization,” Kawai`ae`a said.

The University of Utah’s Shoshoni Language Project was another recipient of this year’s award.