Column by University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana was published by the Maui News on October 24, 2022.

The conferring of a PhD is a thrilling experience for any candidate. It marks the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice and is possible to achieve only with the support of family, friends, and colleagues. Our newest PhD scholars have each just had that experience as part of a graduation ceremony unique in the world. It took place at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi in Whakatāne, Aotearoa, the only educational institution offering Doctorates in indigenous studies.

Dr. ʻŌhai Daniels (Administration of Justice Program Coordinator), Dr. Lei Ishikawa (Internship Coordinator of Ka Hikina o Ka Lā and Coordinator of Kahōkūala), and Dr. Shavonn Matsuda (Head Librarian) were three of thirteen graduates who received their Doctor of Philosophy in Indigenous Studies degrees. Dr. Daniels also received the special award: the Emeritus Professor Roger Green ONZM Award for Top Thesis and Dr. Ishikawa also received the special award: Te Iwi Taketake Award for Outstanding Indigenous Research.

Two graduates were from First Nations of Washington State; the rest from Aotearoa. The cohort is believed to be the largest of such graduates in the world, ever. It was also a celebration of the Wānanga’s 30th graduation. “To be in that space, to be part of a very…