When Madison N¨¡lei Kazue Fujitani takes to the podium at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½–West Oʻahu‘s commencement ceremony, she hopes to convey to the thousands in attendance, especially to K¨¡naka Maoli (Native Hawaiians), the importance of continuing their education—to go beyond just existing in the university system and use it as a place to practice the higher learning their k¨±puna were accustomed to.
The Waiʻanae resident attributes this perspective of learning to a UH West Oʻahu mentor and her experiences throughout her undergraduate years.
Fujitani added that her experience as a Native Hawaiian student in college has helped her understand her purpose—realizing the need for Indigenous presence in the higher education system and how the power of knowledge can incite change and uplift communities.
“It is not all about career prospects or having a title to your name, but using education as a powerful tool of resistance,” Fujitani said. “It is about fulfilling our kuleana, which is both a responsibility and a privilege.”
This is a topic Fujitani is passionate about and will delve into as one of two student speakers at on Saturday, May 9.
Education as resistance
“As a student speaker, the main message I hope to convey is that the history of higher education and the college system is not one that is very pretty, especially for Indigenous peoples,” she said. “They were initially created as attempts to limit, contain, and control.”
In Saturday¡¯s ceremony, Fujitani will receive a bachelor of arts in business administration with a concentration in marketing, and with distinction.
“We fight by learning, reclaiming knowledge, and stepping into positions where we can transform these systems from within,” she said. “We should aim to prioritize being an Indigenous-serving institution, which benefits all people, shaping the way education is carried out.”
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