DISplace
Teaching Posters
DISplace shines light on the widely unknown connection between Hawaiʻi, the Pacific Northwest, and the communities that continue to flow between these two regions. As far back as 1787, people coming from and through the Hawaiian Islands to what’s currently considered the Pacific Northwest have made important contributions to culture and industry throughout the region.
This exhibition is created by Five Oaks Museum 2020 Guest Curators Kanani Miyamoto (she/her) and Lehuauakea (they/them), with historical research and text by Lehuauakea. The Guest Curators are themselves a part of this living history: both are mixed-Native Hawaiian, have family roots in Hawaiʻi and are now based in Portland, OR.
How to Use these Materials
Each set of teaching posters contains two history pages and an art page. These teaching posters are meant to stand on their own without viewing the full exhibition, or to use as a viewing guide alongside the full exhibition. One could teach an entire unit on Hawaiians in the Pacific Northwest with all six modules, or take one or two of the modules to supplement other history topics with a Hawaiian perspective, such as Hawaiians in the fur trade (Module 2) or how cultures blend and take new form (Module 4). The materials are intended for middle school and up, but educators can adapt sections to learners at any age group.
The history pages tell the stories of Hawaiians in the Pacific Northwest, from early travelers, to fur trade and settlers, to building community and dealing with challenges of racism and displacement, all from Hawaiian and Asian Pacific Islander perspectives. A blend of comprehension and reflection questions prompt learners to connect the history with their own experiences and grow their empathy.
The art page highlights work by a featured contemporary artist from DISplace. Learners are guided to look closely at the artwork, get creative with an art activity, and reflect on the connection between the artwork and the module themes. This section ensures that a contemporary perspective is brought to every module and that learners are able to express and reflect in their own words and art-making.
Download Teaching Posters Below
Module 1: The Ocean Is a Bridge – English
Módulo 1: El océano es un puente- Español
Introduction: Map your prior knowledge, a note from the co-curators, and languages on the islands and the mainland
Holokahiki – First Hawaiians Abroad: Knowing the past, and the story of Waine’e, the first documented Hawaiian abroad
What Does the Ocean Mean to You? with artwork by Kia Takamori-Tihada
Module 2: Between Hawaiʻi and the U.S. – English
Módulo 2: Entre Hawaiʻi y los EE. UU. – Español
Exchanges Across the Pacific – Kānaka in the Trade Expansion: Fur trade across the Pacific and the story of Naukane
Religious Reform – The Missionary Influence: Missionary establishment in Hawaiʻi, 1820s, and missionaries in the Pacific Northwest, 1830s
Hawaiian or American? with artwork by Shaka Funk Design Co.
Module 3: ‘Ohana Makes Home – English
Módulo 3: ‘Ohana crea un hogar – Español
Making Home on New Shores – Salt Spring Island and the Puget Sound: Settling on the Puget Sound and a little Hawai’i
The Role of Music in the Hawaiʻi Diaspora: Music brings us together and Kyla Uilaniokekaimalie Maunakea’s story
Far From Home with artwork by Kevin Matthew Kaunuali’i Kiesel
Module 4: Malihini Influences – English
Módulo 4: Influencias Malihini – Español
Newcomers – The Plantation Era and Beyond: From sugar cane plantations in Hawai’i, to industry in the Pacific Northwest, and Minekichi and Sute Tamura’s story
Mix Plate – Hawaiʻi’s Unique Blend of Cuisines: Some island favorites, Lomi salmon, SPAM musubi, malasadas, and saimin
Aloha ʻāina with artwork by Christopher Lum
Module 5: More Than Paradise – English
Módulo 5: Más que el paraíso – Español
Tangled Roots of a Tourist Economy: The boom of tourism, tours of Kānaka on the mainland, and danger of commercialization
Challenges in a New Home Abroad: Racial discrimination in U.S. laws, Peter Kalama’s story, and experiencing violence
Giving Connection with lei by Kalei’okalani Matsui
Module 6: Growing Community – English
Módulo 6: Una comunidad que crece – Español
Community Resilience and a Growing Legacy: Planting the seeds and a growing population
Conclusion: The power of community, distance is ignored by aloha, and map your learning
Growing in Circles with artwork by Palmarin Merges