Culturally Responsive, Trauma-Informed Practice in Hawaiʻi
This living archive is in constant co-creation and uplifts tools, reflections, and community knowledge that support trauma-informed, culturally grounded care across Hawaiʻi.
These resources are rooted in Hawaiian values, emotional understanding, and collective healing through the arts.
*Created in collaboration with the HSFCA Teaching Artist Institute 2025*
🎥 Watch & Listen: Voices on Healing and Practice
2023 Mini Manaʻo Episode 18 | Historical Trauma CNHA
2025 What does it mean to be a trauma-informed organization? HCF
2024 The Future of Trauma-Informed Care in Hawaiʻi *Submitted by Pūlama Long
2025 Board of Land and Natural Resources Meeting Youth Testimony *Submitted by Pūlama Long
2024 From Policy to the People with Aloha: Hawai'i Project LAUNCH & Office of Wellness and Resilience
2015 Cultural and Historical Trauma
2024 This is the Way We Rise, Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio
2023 Ode to Messes, Kalehua Fung
A Cultural Approach to Native Hawaiian Mental Health
🌐 Read & Reflect: Insights from Hawaiʻi and Beyond
Healing Trauma in Hawai‘i: The Resilient Communities, Schools and Families Project
Report with support tools and professional development for educators and staff.
Hawai‘i State Department of Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) State Plan (2022) *Submitted by Pūlama Long
Intersections of Substance Use Among Public Sectors and Health Disparities Populations: Implications for a System of Care
A detailed systems approach to substance use and health equity across Hawai‘i.
Pacific Perspectives: Trauma-Informed Approaches with Pasifika Communities
Insights on culturally grounded care with Pasifika communities.
Assessment of Trauma-Informed Care in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Communities
Exploring the impact of TIC on health outcomes in NHPI populations.
PMC Article: Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Care
Evidence-based guidance on best practices for responsive care.
Healing Through Language: Physical Health Effects of Indigenous Language Use
Whalen, D. H., Moss, M., & Baldwin, D. (2016)
Research supporting the connection between Indigenous language and wellness.
Past Before Us: Moʻokūʻauhau as Methodology
Wilson-Hokowhitu, N. (2019)
An Indigenous research approach rooted in genealogical practice. Published by University of Hawai‘i Press.
Trauma Aware and Anti-Oppressive Arts-Health Practice
Sunderland, N., Stevens, F., & Wobcke, M. (2023)
Guiding principles for facilitating healing through arts and community practices.
Read article
Hawai‘i Trauma-Informed Care Task Force Recommendations Report (2023)
A comprehensive guide outlining Hawai‘i’s state-level strategy for trauma-informed systems. with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Practicing Cultural Humility with Native Hawaiian and Local Patients – Makana Kushi
A powerful paper from the Hawai‘i Academy of Family Physicians exploring how cultural humility and historical context shape clinical care.
Moʻolelo: The Foundation of Hawaiian Knowledge
Baker, C. M. K., Baker, T. H., & Osorio, J. K. K. (2024)
Selections exploring the foundational role of moʻolelo in Hawaiian ways of knowing.
Nānā I Ke Kumu: Look to the Source, Volume I
Pukui, M. K., Haertig, E. W., & Lee, C. A. (1972)
Hawaiian cultural wisdom and guidance on family, emotion, and tradition. Published by Hui Hānai.
Beloved Community: Teacher Reflections on Nā Hopena A‘o (HĀ)
Kastein, K. (2022)
A reflection on Hawaiʻi-based teaching and implications for decolonising education.
Read on Springer
Shot of Love: The Art of Care in Schools Post-Disaster
O’Connor, P., & Estellés, M. (2021)
A powerful exploration of care and creativity in school recovery settings.
Read article
Te Rito Toi in New Zealand: A Caring Response to the Pandemic
O'Connor, P., & Estellés, M. (2021)
A case study on the use of the arts in education following community trauma.
Read on Frontiers
Trauma-Informed Teaching Perspectives of Arts and Non-Arts Educators
Shrawder, A.C. (2024)
A mixed-methods study advocating for transformational change in teaching practice.
View Dissertation
📚 Events & Curriculum Resources
Hoʻōla: Building Trauma-Informed Systems Conference (2023)
Hosted by the Hoʻōikaika Partnership, this conference features a robust collection of community-rooted sessions addressing trauma, resilience, and healing across Hawai‘i.
🔗 Watch Conference Videos
Bridging Community and Evidence-Based Practices: AANHPI Workshop
A virtual convening exploring trauma-informed approaches for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations, with an emphasis on collaborative strategies and culturally responsive care.
🔗 View Recording on PHI.org
Teri Tōtoi – A Māori Curriculum for Healing and Arts
This platform offers curriculum and frameworks rooted in Māori healing practices, cultural identity, and artistic expression. An excellent example of Indigenous-led approaches to trauma-informed education.
🔗 Explore Curriculum
