The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language has received the 2013 William Demmert Cultural Freedom Award from the National Indian Education Association .
The award was presented to Director Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa during the National Indian Education Association’s 44th Annual Convention and Tradeshow held earlier this month in Rapid City, South Dakota. Established in 1970, National Indian Education Association is recognized as the premiere organization for advancing comprehensive educational opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians throughout the United States.
As part of its mission, the National Indian Education Association honors individuals, organizations and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to native education. The William Demmert Cultural Freedom Award recognizes Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language’s work in P–20 Hawaiian language revitalization and its positive impact on native student academic achievement.
“The faculty, staff and administration at Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani are totally dedicated to its mission and works tirelessly to achieve it through its degree programs and many P-20 outreach efforts,” Kawaiʻaeʻa said. “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.”
