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.