Striving for a Thriving Community
The US Census shows that there are more Native Hawaiians living outside of Hawaiʻi, and many of them you will find living on the west coast of the continent. Understanding that our community is people of the land, the constant question that shadows our community is our accessible resources. What does that mean to a community of indigenous practitioners who cannot practice their generational, cultural values that have filled the Pacific for centuries?
Our focus here at KALO is to empower those in the diaspora to recognize that our relationship with ʻāina goes beyond the shores of Hawaiʻi —beyond the Pacific. Knowing that our ancestors were, in fact, voyagers, we are able to see the connections and relationships that were built with other Indigenous communities around the world.
Understanding that culture is health, KALO strives to bring practitioners to the continent to help re-activate what we already know had been instilled in us generations ago. (Re)learning what it means to be Pacific Islanders in a space where we are not the majority creates even more of a challenge when it comes to understanding who we are as a Native Hawaiians living in the diaspora. In partnership with the Oregon Health Authority, METRO, Meyer Memorial Trust Foundation, Papa Ola Lokahi, Oregon Pacific Islander Coalition, Oregon Food Bank, and so many others, KALO has been able to sustain a mala kalo (taro garden), host a cultural workshop at least once a month, create accessible preventative care programs and resources, and in 2022 was successful in opening Oregonʻs first Pacific Islander focused community center that offers culturally specific programs and food distribution.
KALO Health Clinic
Our clinic will serve as an accessible resource for Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians with preventive health care resources such as blood pressure tests, sports physicals, cancer screenings, and more!
This program promotes well-being through movement, community building, and cultural connection, creating a safe, uplifting space for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders on the Continent to foster relationships, reclaim identity, and explore healing practices alongside local partners.
Mind Body Medicine: Public Oregon University Tour
To address the rising mental health challenges among Pacific Islander youth, we are visiting Oregon universities to educate students on mind-body medicine, promoting resilience, stress reduction, and holistic wellness through evidence-based self-care practices.
Health Huddles
This program promotes health and well-being in the Native Hawaiian community by fostering culturally relevant, open dialogue with Dr. Alycia Jackson, a family medicine practitioner from Oʻahu, creating a safe space for conversations about health challenges, systemic barriers, and community healing.
CPR and First-Aid Trainings
Through Washington County, KALO is a certified CPR and First Aid training center, fully equipped with instructors and equipment necessary to learn hands-on techniques for CPR, AED and first aid. Affordable and accessible trainings will be offered bi-monthly to provide equitable opportunities for the PI community to get trained in life-saving techniques.
