at the University of Hawaiʻi–奥别蝉迟 Oʻahu was selected to be a featured contributor to “,” an exhibit curated by the Society of American Archivists (SAA) to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The national online repository tells the story of our country in documents, according to the SAA website. Sourced from institutions across the U.S. and internationally, the collection aims to highlight the full range of America’s documentary heritage and the role archives have played in preserving and understanding our history.
ʻUluʻulu staff nominated , a film from its collection. Produced in 1987, the film features Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) discussing the contemporary meanings of mana (spiritual power) and kuleana (responsibility), and remains a valuable resource, offering profound insights into the Hawaiian Renaissance, its unresolved issues, and its enduring legacy.
“When the call for submissions came for this exhibit, I knew that it was important for ʻUluʻulu to participate so that we could share a perspective of U.S history from the viewpoint of Hawaiʻi and our communities,” said Janel Quirante, head archivist at ʻUluʻulu.
The challenge was choosing just one film to represent their collection.
Native Hawaiian voices live on
“ʻUluʻulu staff voted and we enthusiastically selected Hawaiian Soul from the Victoria Keith Productions Collection to represent us and to highlight the exhibit theme of Unfinished Revolutions,” Quirante said. “Hawaiian Soul was produced in 1987, but its message of what it means to be Native Hawaiian in contemporary America still resonates today.”
Filmmaker Victoria Keith produced, directed and edited Hawaiian Soul, which was co-produced by Naomi Sodetani.“I consider the selection of Hawaiian Soul for this special ‘250 for the 250th’ exhibit to be the honor of a lifetime!” Keith said. “To think this documentary, produced nearly 40 years ago, is going to be made visible again for new generations is an amazing experience.”
Keith added, “Mahalo to the ʻUluʻulu staff for such wonderful support, and of course to the amazing people who shared their manaʻo (ideas) in the video. May their voices live on and be shared through this significant historic exhibit! I am thrilled and excited to be a part of it!”
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—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman