Introductions: Ron Hirschi

My main goal so far is to learn from the experience so that I might help Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal kids find ways of identifying and protecting their cultural resources. The tribe is a canoe culture, so share many ocean connections with other Pacific Peoples. I think it is important to find ways of connecting Hawaiians and Pacific Northwest Coast peoples. I have this idea of creating a “Pacific Box” that we start on Midway and pass along to others – a box of story, song, poems, art, research projects...........just an idea brewing. Along with this is the notion of creating a literal and imaginary path from watersheds where I work with kids to the sea and on to Papahanaumokuakea. A trail with markers and maps and ways of learning about the connections in our one ocean. I've thought about canoes, paddles, and orcas as symbols for the path markers........I also work with a small Catholic school and have discussed with them some spiritual form of ocean connection, something you can't do in public schools. Maybe some shrines in their watershed?

I also have a mission to find a way to bring a whale home to Hawaiian waters. I have worked with schools in the greater Columbus, Ohio area for 20 years. One major project has been to help kids find ways of connecting with the sea by way of studying and helping their watersheds. At one school, we eventually created a life size humpback whale tail sculpture. The whale dives into the earth in Ohio and wants to surface back home. Many stories, books, songs, and more have been created in relation to this steel whale. I want to find a way to bring the whale home so that kids back on the mainland can continue to be inspired by its long journey. My friend, Dr. Mary Sheridan also applied for this project and wasn't able to come along, but I do this whale journey with her in mind and spirit. She will be starting at a new school next year and will certainly take what I bring home and give thousands of kids a new way of thinking if we find a way to help the whale. Maybe this will combine with the Ocean Box to become a whale that continually travels around the earth........a perpetual learning and inspiring box of magic........

I will also be sending out “Postcards from Papa” as a way of answering questions sent to me by kids. This project seems simple enough, but may also be the most important. I could see turing this into a book of sorts or an ongoing way of “Teaching Papahanaumokuakea” with a newsletter perhaps.