Ahupuaʻa Systems: Indigenous Resource Management & Food Production

The Academic Subject Certificate in Ahupua‘a Systems: Indigenous Resource Management & Food Production is an academic internship program for students interested in ‘āina based work, carrying on cultural practices and traditions, and creating a sustainable food system, to gain hands-on experience, training, and education that ultimately provides a career in ahupua‘a sustainability and community food systems. This ASC is geared to be a critical component of a Koʻolaupoko district-wide collaborative internship/degree program with ‘āina based organizations and Windward Community College providing opportunities for interested youth to pursue career experience and higher education learning about traditional Hawaiian and contemporary community-based food sustainable systems and practices.

This certificate requires a total of 16-18 credits representing approximately one semesterʻs worth of coursework.

Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

• Describe industrial farming practices with traditional based small scale, family, and community models
• Integrate basic environmental science concepts with traditional and modern resource management practices in recommending environmental, agricultural, and cultural management decisions
• Describe how traditional and indigenous perspectives inform practices of sustainable food production systems
• Describe the Konohiki system of land management as a means for modern-day natural resource management and food production
• Exhibit best management practices when participating in internship activities and utilizing natural resources