Kanaka Maoli Apprenticeship Program: Lauhala Weaving: Call for Applications!

Aloha mai kāua! 
 
Mahalo for your interest in joining our 4-day Lauhala Weaving Immersion that will take place July 8 - 11, 2021. We are offering one work-trade position for a new Kanaka Maoli weaver to join the class free of charge. Please read and agree to the position description and responsibilities listed below before submitting an application HERE for review. 
 
We look forward to hearing from you!

Lauhala Weaving Apprentice Description:
The selected applicant will directly support the learning environment by helping participants and 
assisting with all aspects of running the class.

REQUIREMENTS:
The work trade position will be awarded to one individual of Kanaka Maoli descent. There is no “blood quantum” requirement and no need to prove ancestry. However, please uphold the honor system and do not apply if “Kanaka Maoli” does not describe your native cultural identity.
- Applicants must be age 13 and up.
- No prior weaving experience required, but interest and enthusiasm for learning is definitely a must!

RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Helping setup and cleanup before and after all class sessions
- Acting as a “second pair of hands” for the instructor during class sessions, for example: handing out supplies, bundling lauhala, emptying scrap bin, etc.
- Assisting students during weaving sessions
- Meet with the instructor for a half-day training session prior to the workshop. Date & time will be chosen in accordance with applicant’s schedule
- Additional tasks may arise
 
BENEFITS:
In exchange for performing the above tasks, the individual will be able to attend the workshop free of charge and will learn the foundations of Hawaiian lauhala weaving, from gathering lau to weaving their first project. Following the oral tradition passed down through generations, participants will gain an introductory understanding of both the practice and culture connected to this art form.

SKILLS NEEDED:
- Positive, kind, attitude and is passionate about learning and sharing ʻike.
- High Attention to Detail
- Punctual
- Strong communication skills

Teacher Bio:

Meredith Buck is a lauhala weaver, artist and craftswoman living in Hōlualoa Ehā, Moku o Kona, Moku o Keawe - Kanaka Maoli ancestral lands. Originally born and raised outside of Washington DC, Meredith's ancestral Japanese and Portuguese roots brought her back to Hawaiʻi as a fifth generation descendant of plantation workers. She started weaving in May 2017 at Ka Ulu Lauhala O Kona weaving conference, out of curiosity and reverence for this cultural practice. A lifelong knitter and seamstress, she took quickly to the craft, fashioning bracelets and mats. Through the guidance of her kumu ulana, Meredith rapidly progressed and made her first pāpale in October 2018. She now weaves with instruction from Kumu Ulana Barbara Watanabe and Karen Hasegawa of the Kona Weavers.

For Meredith, lauhala weaving is about cultural and ecological revitalization; a way forward. She centers protocol, lineage, and kuleana in all that she does, and joyfully carries the responsibility of perpetuating this endangered craft for future generations.

When she is not weaving, Meredith loves to sew, tan hides, play with the plants in her garden, sing, and swim in the ocean.