In this episode of Roots Reclaimed, I had the privilege to speak with Anuhea St. Laurent, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Kanaka to Kanaka. We delved into the vital intersection of cultural identity and mental health, specifically how Native Hawaiian frameworks can reshape therapeutic practices. Anuhea passionately shared her insights on the historical context of our struggles, emphasizing that the mental health challenges we face are not merely personal failures but symptoms of the systemic impacts of colonization. We explored how the legacy of capitalism and supremacy has infiltrated our lives, influencing not just our societal structures but also our personal well-being and trauma.

Anuhea explained the importance of culturally aligned therapy, which involves finding therapists who recognize and respect one’s cultural values and worldviews. We discussed the growing need for more Native Hawaiian therapists and the significance of creating a therapeutic environment where clients can feel understood and safe. Anuhea reflected on her own experiences navigating the clash between Western psychological approaches and traditional Hawaiian healing practices, and how this has informed her work. She highlighted the significance of reconnecting to one’s identity through culture, which provides a pathway to empowerment and healing.

The conversation revealed the challenges of stigma surrounding mental health in our communities. Anuhea shared her perspectives on how to break down barriers to seeking help and the necessity of normalizing mental health discussions. Together, we acknowledged the tension that arises when individuals embark on their healing journeys but find their families and loved ones are not yet on the same path. This segment underscores the complexities of generational healing that many face as they work toward personal growth.

Anuhea also shared her aspirations for fostering a network of Kanaka therapists to better meet the needs of our community. This potential group could serve as a supportive space where therapists can collaborate and share insights, ultimately enhancing the continuum of therapeutic care accessible to our people. We discussed the importance of honoring traditional learning while also adapting to the realities of modern therapy, creating a space where cultural practices can flourish alongside evidence-based approaches.

Throughout our dialogue, Anuhea continuously emphasized the essence of community and connection in our healing processes. She illustrated how healing should not be viewed as a solitary endeavor but rather as one that flourishes through support and collective efforts. This sense of shared responsibility echoes the principles of our ancestors, reminding us that we are not only healing for ourselves but also for future generations.

Finally, we wrapped up our meaningful exchange by reflecting on the transformative potential of therapy rooted in cultural identity. Anuhea’s work is deeply inspiring, illuminating the pathway forward for others seeking to understand themselves through their heritage and community ties. Our conversation serves as a reminder that reconnecting with culture and identity is integral to both individual and communal healing, thus paving the way for a brighter, more empowered future for our families and communities.

In this podcast episode from the ʻOhana Center of Excellence for AANHPI Behavioral Health, project manager Lilinoe Kauahikaua interviews Ipo, founder and creator of the Hawaiian Diaspora Instagram account. The conversation dives into Ipo's personal journey of reclaiming her Hawaiian identity and her experiences as a Native Hawaiian raised in the continental US after moving from Oʻahu to San Diego at a young age.

Ipo shares how her mother's efforts to keep their cultural connection alive helped shape her identity despite the challenges of living away from Hawaiʻi. She discusses the broader struggles faced by the Hawaiian diaspora (Native Hawaiians living away from their birth sands of Hawaiʻi), emphasizing the distinction between "diaspora" and "displaced" individuals. Ipo highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for discussions about identity, cultural connection, and the diverse experiences of Native Hawaiians living away from their homeland.

Throughout this conversation, Lilinoe and Ipo explore the mental health impacts of feeling disconnected from one's culture and the mixed emotions of pride and isolation experienced by many in the diaspora. They touch on the significance of representation and understanding the unique needs of different generations within the Native Hawaiian community on the continent.

The episode underscores the need for more data and storytelling to capture the varied narratives of diaspora Hawaiians and foster a sense of belonging, togetherness, and cultural pride among those living away from Hawaii. We are all one Lāhui!

About the Guest:

Ipo (She/Her) is a 1.5-generation Kanaka who was born on O’ahu and moved to the continent as a child where she struggled deeply with her identity as a Native Hawaiian. Often wrestling with racial/cultural imposter syndrome, Ipo insisted that, for varying reasons, she could never be “Hawaiian enough.” Now, Ipo is on a mission to support all diaspora Kānaka ‘Ōiwi who feel this way; she’s got high hopes for Eō, her diaspora-driven organization, with plans to provide programming for cultural connection. However, the work will all begin with a thorough research project to discover deeper insights into the Hawaiian diaspora community, and the social media account @HawaiianDiaspora on Instagram is one place to start.

In this episode of Roots Reclaimed, Aynsley Broom, of Sāmoan descent, shares her journey of rediscovering her cultural roots while living far from her heritage. Growing up in Arkansas and now residing in Nashville, Aynsley reflects on her upbringing and the influence of her diverse background. She discusses the challenges of reconnecting with her Sāmoan heritage in a predominantly white community and the importance of embracing her cultural identity.

Aynsley delves into starting her platform, Sipping KoKo, as a way to connect with her community, learn more about her heritage, and encourage others to reclaim their cultural identities. She highlights the struggles and criticisms she faced, emphasizing the need for grace, self-acceptance, and the support of elders in the community.

The conversation explores the complexities of identity, facing judgment from both within and outside the community, and the process of advocating for one's right to reclaim heritage. Aynsley encourages individuals to embark on their reclamation journey, emphasizing the importance of giving oneself grace, seeking guidance from elders, and engaging with cultural resources such as books, movies, and music to reconnect with their roots.

The discussion touches on the significance of ancestral pride, the power of storytelling, and the reclaiming of cultural narratives. Aynsley shares personal anecdotes, experiences, and advice for those struggling to embrace their cultural identity. The episode concludes with a message of empowerment, resilience, and the celebration of diverse cultural heritages within the AANHPI community.

In this session, we delve into the hidden histories of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, aiming to provide healing and strengthen cultural pride. Joanne Rondilla and Kathleen Wong(Lau) lead a conversation in Watsonville, California, reflecting on the Watsonville riots of the 1930s and the significant contributions of Filipinx farm workers in the region. The conversation highlights the xenophobia and hate faced by these communities, emphasizing the impact of historical trauma and intergenerational experiences.

The discussion expands to explore the complexities of Asian immigration narratives, debunking the model minority myth and shedding light on the hardships and sacrifices made by early immigrants. Joanne Rondilla shares a personal revelation about her father's immigration story to Guam in the 1950s, showcasing the intricacies and challenges faced by professionals in a post-World War II rebuilding context.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding specific immigration histories and recognizing the systemic tensions, class dynamics, and resilience within these communities. Joanne Rondilla and Kathleen Wong(Lau) advocate for reclaiming these narratives through family photos and documents, urging individuals to explore their roots and connect with their heritage to address mental health issues rooted in historical trauma.

As the dialogue unfolds, the speakers highlight the vital role of recognizing these hidden histories in fostering a sense of belonging, resilience, and empowerment within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The session concludes with a message from Roots Reclaimed, a production of the AANHPI Ohana Center of Excellence, encouraging individuals to access culturally-centered behavioral health resources and support to navigate their unique journeys of healing and self-discovery.

0:00 The Importance of Inclusive Education
8:18 Unpacking Historical Trauma of the Watsonville Riots
13:59 Connecting History to Mental Health
16:01 The Complexity of Immigration Stories
19:50 Discovering Family History through Photos

Roots Reclaimed is a podcast that explores the hidden or often untold histories of communities that identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander. Roots Reclaimed is a podcast that aims to reclaim hidden histories and shed light on the contributions and importance of AANHPI populations that are often written out of history. Through reclaiming the roots of these diverse cultures, we hope to provide healing from historical trauma, and strengthen cultural identity and pride.