about us
mission
Bringing diverse community together to provide information about American Indian, Alaska Native, and First Nations peoples through cultural events, social gatherings, outreach, educational presentations and an Annual Intertribal Powwow.
our story
We are descendants of founding mothers with both Native American and Hawaiian ancestry who are committed to the kinship we have with our host relatives. As a community, we are dedicated to holding space for diverse indigenous cultures of Turtle Island and Moananuiakea to come together in a spirit of reciprocity, healing, resistance, and solidarity.
We center pilina (relationship) in our foundation and are guided by elders in the community. Many are of diverse ancestral heritage, have been long time Native American residents, or support perpetuating indigenous traditions throughout Hawai’i. As the next generation continues to grow into their roles led by elders, our new name is meant to reflect our vision of stewarding indigenous connections and respecting the host culture (Kanaka Maoli).
our name
hoʻo.pili: To bring together, stick; to join, be with, be in close relationship, relative. Pili ʻana, connection. United, as friends; to claim a relationship; to put together, as parts of a puzzle.
As a small grassroots volunteer-based 501c3 with no major tribal affiliated presence, funding, or reservation for diverse First Nations to gather in Hawaii, Hoʻopili Tribal Council is supported by many descendants of founding mothers & the local community of O’ahu.
Formerly known as the Oahu Intertribal Council (OIC) for the last 10 years, the Hawaii Council of American Indian Nations (HCAIN) and the American Indian Powwow Association (AIPA) since the 1970s we are honored to serve in the legacy of our ancestors.
what we do
center indigenous values
Share traditions and practices through cultural events, workshops, and performances. Provide fundraisers, food drives, and giveaways for families.
Engage Community
Host social gatherings, cultural events, and the Annual Honolulu Intertribal Powwow.
Promote Shared Learning
We offer student internships, scholarships, and presentations to support education.
Our Board
Elsie Lonechief / President
Elsie is a relative of founding mother descendants, daughter of Randall and Rose Whitehorn, and a former Honolulu Powwow Coordinator. She is a National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Southern Plains region with the Otoe-Missouria Tribe. She is a PhD candidate, newlywed, and an avid traveler.
Cecilia SÁrate / Vice President
Cecilia is of Mexica (Aztec) and Xi’úi (Pame) descent with Coahuiltecan roots. An alumna of the University of Southern California, she’s a multidisciplinary designer with experience spanning the architecture and tech industries with a long history of nonprofit volunteerism. Outside of work, you can find her exploring the outdoors with her dog, crafting, reading, or advocating for mental health.
Jordan Smith / Treasurer
Jordan is Hawaiʻi Appleseed’s Senior Policy Analyst for Food Equity advancing policy and systems change ensuring Hawaiʻi’s people, especially those most systemically marginalized, have sufficient resources to access healthy food. An alumna of Georgetown University and a master of public health candidate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Jordan has a long history of supporting grassroots leadership and economic justice.
Alyssa Kaho`omaika`iokahaku Marcos / Secretary
Alyssa is a long time Kanaka Oiwi supporter of the Native American community here on Oʻahu. As a Hawaiian cultural practitioner, she is a haumana of hula Halau Na Pualei o Likolehua. Alyssa has her associate’s degree in Hawaiian studies as well as her Bachelors in Psychology and currently works at Kamehameha Schools. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her `ohana, hula, and going to the beach.