The ʻAha Kumu task force is focused on designing structured leadership pathways for Kaʻaikuahiwi, ensuring that formal opportunities for growth, retention, and recognition are established to support kumu professional development, mentorship, and advocacy in alignment with Kuapapa Nui. Grounded in a Kauhale Participatory Action Research (PAR) design, this project empowers kumu through collaborative processes that emphasize cultural competency, reflective practice, self-assessment, and critical literacies. 

To gather formative insights, data were collected using huakaʻi-inspired measures, participant surveys, observations, and focus groups conducted after strategically curated focused huakaʻi. These methods allowed the team to document and reflect on kumu development within both cultural and academic contexts. This groundwork will inform a future leadership pathway proposal to be launched in early 2026.

Initial findings from the mid-project evaluation highlight several key impacts: (1) Embedding leadership learning in moʻolelo, aloha ʻāina, and cultural protocols strengthens teachers’ perceptions of their own leadership potential; (2) Moʻolelo analysis offers a clear framework for identifying leadership traits such as strategic decision-making, perseverance, collective action, and empowerment; (3) Collaborative learning with cultural experts and peers deepens connection to resources and materials; and (4) Safe, nurturing spaces support the emergence of reflective, culturally grounded leader identities.

In addition to individual growth, the work of this task force also provided indicators of ʻŌiwi Edge effectiveness including: 

• Use of moʻolelo, hula, oli, and aloha ʻāina as anchors for leadership development and reflection.

• Creation of shared spaces that foster mutual support and cultural authenticity.

• Balancing rigorous academic inquiry with informal storytelling, which helped situate leadership in real-world contexts. 

Findings suggest that an ʻŌiwi foundation not only cultivates cultural knowledge but also catalyzes critical action for advocacy. Based on participant feedback, the task force has refined its process to include increased reflective journaling time, clearer research definitions, and personalized opportunities for reflection. These adjustments aim to sustain momentum toward Kuapapa Nui.

Looking ahead, ʻAha Kumu will be heading to the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) in November of 2025 to explore other models of indigenous leadership pathways from around the world. A culminating outcome of this work will be a proposal for a kumu leadership pathway to be offered through Kaʻaikuahiwi, scheduled for release in January 2026.