Connections - From the mauna to the shellmounds

When I think of our recent huaka'i to California the recurring theme for me is connections. We stood with relatives from different tribes, other Pacifica relatives, and allies and to some we may seem different but we're all connected whether by our shared experiences, mountains, oceans, waters, or ceremonies.

We held ceremony in a parking lot, on an access road in the middle of a lava field, and our Ohlone relatives have done the same, held ceremonies in a parking lot in the middle of a city that was built over their sacred shell mounds and in that parking lot they lifted prayers for Mauna Kea, as we did in the parking lot, on an access road, in the middle of a lava field for their 'āina and salmon.

Our Winnemem relatives have cleansed us and lifted prayers for Mauna Kea with their sacred smoke as we have put down pa'akai to cleanse and ground as we prayed for the return of their Nur and their lands and people. Our connections through ceremony have not only strengthened the lands, waters, and fish relatives that were prayed for but has also strengthened, grounded, and continues to heal me on my jouney. As we reclaim and heal our lands, waters and lifeways, we also reclaim and heal the lands and waters within ourselves and show up for one another in those ways. More healed, more grounded, and more connected. These relationships and connections are as sacred to me as the mauna that unified us all, and the lands sprinkled with orange poppys that we walked so lightly on.

— Leinaʻala