He Aliʻi Ka ʻĀina Educator Conference is being held this October 9 and 10, 2025. It serves as a transformative professional development opportunity for the greater community to learn more about Hawaiian Culture-Based Education (HCBE). This initiative integrates the principles of aloha ʻāina (love of the land) and ea (sovereignty, life) into educational practices. Led by a hui (group) of dedicated educators, community leaders, and cultural practitioners, the conference equips kumu (teachers) with the tools, resources, and networks necessary to incorporate place-based and HCBE into their classrooms. Through a series of in-depth workshops, participants engage in collaborative efforts to build pilina (relationships) between schools and community organizations, inspire meaningful actions, and increase the capacity for sustainable educational practices. The conference also fosters open dialogue, addressing essential cultural, environmental, and community issues. This approach aims to deepen educators' connections to ʻāina, Hawaiian culture, and their communities, empowering them to become informed and proactive stewards of Hawaiʻi. In turn, this provides a strong foundation for incorporating these values into their teaching practice.

The workshops offered at the He Aliʻi Ka ʻĀina Educator Conference are essential because they equip educators with the tools and knowledge to integrate culturally responsive education into their teaching, ensuring that lessons are relevant and meaningful for students in Hawaiʻi. Each workshop focuses on key areas that are crucial for fostering a holistic, culture-based learning environment, and will be centered on one of the following important concepts.

Kūkulu Artificial Intelligence (AI): Building AI tools for Hawaiian Language Futures and Aloha ʻĀina

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly woven into our daily lives, what role can it play in revitalizing and normalizing ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and Aloha ʻĀina via conservation and management? This strand explores how kumu, students, and community leaders can shape the future of AI tools that kākoʻo ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and Aloha ʻĀina practices. From designing custom classroom assistants to unlocking the wisdom of 19th-century nūpepa, to enhancing ahupuaʻa restoration efforts- this campaign will feature some of todayʻs innovators who are at the forefront of this work to engineer and test bold ideas while ensuring security and protection for ʻike kupuna and wahi pana. We invite you to join this interactive series of sessions.