Native Diaspora

Kalani Garcia

A platform to re-indigenize education by sharing marginalized voices through travel, connection, and culture.

Episodes

  1. 06/05/2025

    Kalo: The Heart of Hawaiian Culture, Food Sovereignty, and Ancestry

    In this conversation, mahi'ai and kumu Nick Kālāmakani Francisco shares deep ʻike about kalo (taro) and its central place in Hawaiian identity, history, and daily life. He reminds us that kalo is more than food — it is our ancestor, our teacher, and our kuleana. Nick explores the story of Hāloa, the first kanaka, and how our connection to kalo ties us directly to the ʻāina and to each other. He speaks on the political power of growing our own food, calling it an act of resistance and a path toward food sovereignty and community resilience. Listeners will learn about the diverse varieties of kalo, each uniquely adapted to different conditions — from loʻi to rocky soil — and the traditional knowledge behind planting, harvesting, and caretaking. Nick also highlights kalo’s many uses, including medicinal benefits and the use of sap for dyeing. Through storytelling and reflection, he reminds us that growing kalo takes time, and every planting is a chance to learn. The wisdom of our kūpuna must guide how we mālama Hāloa for generations to come. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kalo and Its Significance 02:03 The Creation Story of Kalo 09:19 Cultural and Historical Context of Kalo 15:05 Personal Journey into Kalo Cultivation 19:14 Food Sovereignty and Autonomy 22:39 Growing Kalo in Limited Spaces 24:11 Diversity of Kalo Varieties 30:22 Techniques and Practices in Kalo Cultivation 34:14 Preserving Cultural Practices and Knowledge Takeaways Kalo is a vital part of Hawaiian culture and identity.Food sovereignty is crucial for community resilience.Growing food is an act of political resistance.Kalo varieties are adapted to specific environments.The story of Hāloa connects us to the land and our ancestors.We have a responsibility to care for the land that feeds us.Kalo can be grown in various conditions, even in rocky soil.Healthy soil (lepo) is fundamental for successful kalo growth.Every planting experience is an opportunity for learning and experimentation.Different kalo varieties have unique uses and benefits.The sap of kalo can be used for dyeing and medicinal purposes.Understanding the history of kalo enriches our connection to it. We need to perpetuate these native kalo varieties.We need to listen and learn from our kūpuna.

    38 min

  2. 04/12/2025

    The Treaty of Waitangi & Treaty Principles Bill: Navigating Indigenous Rights and Colonial Legacy

    Host Belinda, also known as Kalani, dives deep into the complexities of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Treaty Principles Bill, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism on Māori culture. She explores the current political climate surrounding Indigenous rights in New Zealand/Aotearoa , while Emily shares her personal experiences as a Māori woman. Emily reflects on her time working at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the importance of cultural identity, and the role of art in expressing indigenous narratives. She also delves into the creation story and the deeper meanings behind her art. The dialogue emphasizes the need for solidarity and collective action—both from Māori and non-Māori—towards Indigenous empowerment and addressing historical injustices. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:46 Understanding the Waitangi Treaty 06:36 Translation Issues and Misunderstandings 08:17 Legal Status of the Treaty 09:19 Current Political Climate and Treaty Principles Bill 11:33 Hikoi: Historical Protests and Their Significance 19:44 Experiences at Waitangi Treaty Grounds 20:30 Education and Awareness of Māori History 23:14 Creation Stories and Cultural Representation 29:08 Decolonization and Community Engagement KEY TAKEAWAYS The Treaty of Waitangi has different interpretations in English and Māori.Understanding the Treaty of Waitangi and its impact on Māori culture.Insights into the Treaty Principles Bill.Colonialism has lasting impacts on Indigenous cultures and identities.Current political movements threaten Indigenous rights and recognition.Art serves as a powerful medium for cultural expression and activism.Indigenous movements are gaining momentum globally, reflecting a collective struggle.Education about indigenous history is often lacking in mainstream narratives.Community involvement is crucial for indigenous empowerment.Non-Māori allies must support Māori voices and leadership.Cultural identity is deeply tied to language and heritage.The future of indigenous rights depends on collective action and awareness.

    35 min

  3. 03/29/2025

    Defunding Education, Politics, and The Dark History of Career Origins: Breaking Free from Capitalism’s Grip and Creating Local Change

    In this conversation, Belinda also known as Kalani discusses the evolution of her podcast, Native Diaspora, and delves into the complexities of the education system in the U.S., particularly in relation to federal funding, political influences, and the role of religion. She explores historical narratives and the dark history of career orgins, questioning their relevance and the impact of consumerism and capitalism on society. She emphasizes the importance of local change and awareness in addressing these systemic issues. 00:00 Introduction to Native Diaspora 03:21 Show begins 03:46 Impact of Federal Education Funding 09:43 Challenges in the Education System 11:25 The Role of ICE in Schools 12:58 Religious Influence in Education 16:25 Exploring the dark history of Career Origins and Education History 29:12 Consumerism and the System 35:37 Creating Change Through Local Support

    37 min

  4. 03/15/2025

    Unschooling The System

    In this episode, host Belinda, also known as Kalani, engages in a deep conversation with Taʻimiroa Pajimola, one of the co-founders of Pua ʻAʻaliʻi Un-Schooling. They explore the necessity and philosophy behind unschooling, particularly in the context of Indigenous education. Taʻimiroa shares her personal journey through the perspective of a farmer and mother creating a community-focused educational model that emphasizes traditional skills, moon cycles, and the importance of connecting back with the land/'āina. The discussion highlights the challenges of traditional education systems and the transformative potential of unschooling for families and communities in Hawaiʻi.

    41 min

  5. 02/13/2025

    The Flawed Education System Through The Lens of an Educator

    In this conversation, Belinda, also known as Kalani, discusses the future of education from an Indigenous perspective, emphasizing the need for marginalized voices to be heard. She shares her personal experiences as a special education teacher, highlighting systemic issues within the education system that perpetuate colonial narratives and fail to support diverse student needs. The conversation calls for accountability in education, the importance of cultural identity, and the necessity for collective action to reclaim narratives and empower marginalized communities.

    20 min

  6. 02/06/2025 · BONUS

    Episode one: Can we escape the system?

    Navigating and working within a system as a teacher and Kanaka Maoli that is indoctrinating and assimilating Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) students in their homeland. Episode one Trailer two.

    1 min

  7. EPISODE 1

    Sneak Peak: Trailer one, Episode one.

    The future of education is Indigenous.

    1 min

  8. 01/26/2025

    Trailer

    A platform dedicated to sharing the voices of marginalized Indigenous and Native communities, both from my ancestral homeland and my travels. It offers a space for discussions on the impacts of desecration, colonialism, and capitalism, while honoring storytelling rooted in history, creation stories, ancestral wisdom, and the process of re-indigenizing education. Let’s collectively remove our Western lens. As we unlearn what has been passed down from the conquerors, we can reshape our perspective through an Indigenous and Native worldview.

    1 min

Trailers

About

A platform to re-indigenize education by sharing marginalized voices through travel, connection, and culture.

Information

  • Creator
    Kalani Garcia
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kalani Garcia