Liliʻuokalani Trust Presents at the 2024 IVAT Summit

In April 2024, Liliʻuokalani Trust participated in the 21st IVAT Summit (The Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma) at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. The annual event drew more than 1,500 attendees specializing in the latest research, intervention, and assessment techniques in trauma and violence.

Not only was the Trust present at the summit — but select Teammates were invited to lead workshops, participate in panel discussions, and present songs and dance. Their participation honored the Queen’s legacy and shared in the Trust’s mission to support the children of Hawaiʻi.

Day 1 of the Summit began with a ceremony featuring ʻōpio (youth) from Kīpuka Waiʻanae. They opened with the blowing of the pū (conch shell), followed by a beautiful oli and hula featuring Oli No Nānākuli, Oli Eia Nā Pua O Liliʻuokalani, and Liliʻu E (hula).

IVAT marked the ʻōpio’s first-ever performance for an audience of 1,000-plus people, and they were well-prepared under the guidance of Kumu Makalauna Feliciano, LT’s Cultural Practice Advisor from Kīpuka Waiʻanae.

During the week, the IVAT Summit featured a workshop by Sharon Ehia, program manager for the Trust’s Pu’u Lei O Lili’u program. Her presentation, “Working with Systems of Youth: Judiciary, Child Welfare and Shelter Youth: Puʻu Lei o Liliu,” led participants in a trauma-informed discussion about various healing practices grounded in Hawaiian culture.

She shared select methods used in her work with youth in the PLOL program. They are: Introducing the youth to the Queen’s story and emphasizing the Queen’s resiliency amid trials; encouraging the youth to create their mo’olelo (stories) to build a foundation of self-expression; using the Mau Mau Continuum to encourage the youth to develop their legacy based on their ancestry and family traditions; and exposing the youth to Workforce Development to learn about various trades and industries.

In her presentation, Sharon said, “At the Trust, we provide opportunities for Hawaiian children to realize their greatest potential. That is, living healthy, joyful, and prosperous lives while contributing positively to their families, communities, and the world.”

Additionally, the IVAT Summit hosted a roundtable discussion about climate trauma and its impact on mental health. Participating in the roundtable was Paka Davis, the Trust’s Director, Natural Assets & Operations in Kīpuka Kona.

Paka likened the ʻāina (land) as a metaphor for trauma-to-thriving and emphasized the importance of finding the root cause of trauma. Identifying the root cause of trauma is like inspecting a plant’s roots for pests and other growth-related obstacles, he said.

Teammates at the Trust were grateful and honored to have participated in the IVAT Summit. The 22nd IVAT Summit is scheduled from April 7-10, 2025, in the convention center.

A hui of Teammates will serve on the planning committee for next year’s Summit: Marty Oliphant, Executive Director of Lydia House; Melissa Data, Director, Clinical Practice Development, Kīpuka Liliʻuonamoku; and Cheri Tarutani, Managing Director, Kamaliʻi Well-Being, Kīpuka Liliʻuonamoku.