EDUCATION:
Ph.D. Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 2008.
Dissertation: Tauhi Vā: Creating Beauty through the Art of Sociospatial Relations.
M.A. Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 2003.
M.S.W. Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1998.
B.S. Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1996.
B.S. Accounting, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi, 1993.
RESEARCH & TEACHING INTERESTS:
Indigeneity; Indigenous Knowledge; Cosmogony & Ecological Responsibility; Indigenous Anthropology; Indigenous Time and Space; Moana Oceania Tā-Vā (Time-Space) Philosophy of Reality; Indigenous Ecological Knowledge; Migration, Diaspora, Globalization, and Transnationalism; Coloniality and Decoloniality; Pacific Islands Studies; Tongan Language; Language Revitalization; Anthropology of Religion, Moana Oceania Oral Traditions; Moana Oceanian Deep History and Culture; Applied Anthropology; Moana Oceanian.
COURSES TAUGHT:
Anthropology (ANTH):
● ANTH 105: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
● ANTH 210: Contemporary Pacific Societies
● ANTH 270: Language in Culture and Society
● ANTH 307: U.S. Pacific Islander Contemporary Culture
● ANTH 310: Anthropology Theory
● ANTH 322: Ethnographic Skills
● ANTH 360: Museum Studies
● ANTH 390R: Special Topics in Anthropology
● ANTH 399R: Internship in Cultural Anthropology
● ANTH 440: Conservation of Intangible Culture
● ANTH 445: Issues in Current Anthropology
- Anthropology of Time and Space
- Language, Culture, and Society
- Linguistic Anthropology
- Material Culture
● ANTH 445: Anthropology of Religion
● ANTH 447: Applied and Development Anthropology
● ANTH 460: Anthropology of Globalization
International Cultural Studies (ISC):
● ICS 399R: Internship in International Cultural Studies
● ICS 490: Senior Seminar
● ICS 496R: Student Research
Pacific Islands Studies (PAIS):
● PAIS 105: Introduction to Pacific Islands Studies
● ANTH 210: Contemporary Pacific Societies
● ANTH 307: U.S. Pacific Islander Contemporary Culture
● PAIS 498: Internship in the Pacific
World Languages
• WLNG 445R: Special Studies in World Languages - Tongan
ACADEMIC FACULTY POSITION:
Professor, Anthropology & Cultural Sustainability. Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2019 – Present
Associate Professor, Cultural Anthropology. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2012 - 2019
Assistant Professor, Cultural Anthropology. International Cultural Studies & World Languages; Jonathan Nāpela Center for Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Studies, College of Language, Culture, & Arts, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2005 - 2011
Lecturer, University of Hawaiʻi – Maui Community College, 2004 – 2005
Lecturer, Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, 2003
Lecturer, Department of American Ethnic Studies, University of Washington, 2003
Teaching Assistant, Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, 2002
Teaching Assistant, Department of American Ethnic Studies, University of Washington, 2002
ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATIVE POSITION:
Editor, Pacific Studies (Journal). Faculty of Culture, Language, & Performing Arts, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi. January 2024 - Present
Dean, Faculty of Culture, Language, & Performing Arts, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, August 2018 to August 2022
Chair, Department of Culture & History. College of Arts & Humanities, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2017 to 2018
Chair, Department of Cultures & Languages. College of Arts & Humanities, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2016 - 2017
Chair, International Cultural Studies & World Languages. College of Language, Culture, & Arts, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2015 - 2016
FIELD RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:
Ethnographer, Moʻohekili Heiau & Nīoi Heiau (Ancient Hawaiian Temples), Lāʻie, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, February 2019 - 2020
Ethnographer, Kahuku, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Kū Kiaʻi Kahuku (Stand in Protection of Kahuku), October 2019 - 2020
Ethnographer, Maunawila Heiau (Ancient Hawaiian Temple), Hauʻula, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, June 2012 - 2022
Ethnographer, Dissertation Fieldwork Research, Maui, Hawaiʻi, March 2004 - August 2005
Ethnographer, Pre-dissertation Fieldwork, Maui, Hawaiʻi, August – September 2002
Ethnographer, Field Techniques in Ethnography (ANTH 550), August – December 2001
Research Assistant, Project Talanoa, Seattle, Washington, January 2001 – July 2003
PUBLICATIONS:
Books: Peer-Reviewed
Kaʻili, T.O. (2017). Marking Indigeneity: The Tonga Art of Sociospatial Relations. First Peoples: New Directions in Indigenous Studies, University of Arizona Press, Tucson.
Māhina, O., Kaʻili, T.O., & Kaʻili, A. L. (2006). Ko e Ngaahi ʻAta mei he Hisitōlia mo e Kalatua ʻo Tonga: Ke Tufungaʻi ha Lea Tonga Fakaako [Some Images from the History and Culture of Tonga: Towards Creating a Tongan Academic Language]. Centre for Pacific Studies, University of Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Journal Articles: Peer-Reviewed
Hafoka, ʻI, Tecun, A., Kaʻili, T.O., Siuʻulua, S.A. (2023). Performing Tongan Identity and Indigeneity in Global Sporting Events. Pacific Studies, 46 (2): 160-186.
Burroughs, B. & Ka‘ili, T.O. (2023). Kū Kia‘i Kahuku: Indigenizing Social Media, Civic Streaming, and Sociospatial Symmetry. Communication, Culture and Critique, Volume 16, Issue 4, December 2023, Pages 250–257, https://doi.org/10.1093/ccc/tcad029
Lear, A.D., Māhina-Tua, K.U., Vaka, S.L. & Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). ʻAtamai-Loto, moe Fakaʻofoʻofa-ʻAonga: Tongan Tā-Vā Time-Space Philosophy of Mind-Heart and Beauty-Utility. Special Issue of Pacific Studies, 44 (1/2): October 2021: 1-11.
Lear, A.D., Māhina-Tua, K.U., Vaka, S.L. Kaʻili, T.O. & Māhina. O. (2021). Sino, ʻIlo, Moe Ongo: Body, Knowing, and Feeling. Special Issue of Pacific Studies, 44 (1/2): October 2021: 12-94.
Lear, A.D., Māhina-Tua, K.U., Vaka, S.L. Kaʻili, T.O. & Māhina. O. (2021). Tongan Hoa: Inseparable Yet Indispensable Pairs/Binaries. Special Issue of Pacific Studies, 44 (1/2): October 2021: 95-141.
Lear, A.D., Vaka, S.L. Kaʻili, T.O. & Māhina. O. (2021). Siueli ʻoe Pasifiki: Jewel of the Pacific - A Sung Poetry of Praise and Rivalry. Special Issue of Pacific Studies, 44 (1/2): October 2021: 224-246.
Lear, A.D., Vaka, S.L. Kaʻili, T.O. & Māhina. O. (2021). Tuaikaepau: “Slow-but-Sure” - A Sung and Danced Poetry of Tragedy. Special Issue of Pacific Studies, 44 (1/2): October 2021: 247-270.
Lear, A.D., Vaka, S.L. Kaʻili, T.O. & Māhina. O. (2021). Lofia, Koe Kumi Tuʻi: The Search for a King - A Sung and Danced Poetry of Tragedy. Special Issue of Pacific Studies, 44 (1/2): October 2021: 271-301.
Lear, A.D., Kaʻili, T.O. & Māhina. O. (2021). Faiva Lovaʻaʻalo: Performing Art of Rowing. Special Issue of Pacific Studies, 44 (1/2): October 2021: 302-328.
Tim Mulgan, Sophia Enright, Marco Grix, Ushana Jayasuriya, Tēvita O. Ka‘ili (Maui-TāVā-He-Ako), Adriana M. Lear (Pā‘utu-‘O-Vava‘u-Lahi), 'Aisea N. Matthew Māhina, 'Ōkusitino Māhina (Hūfanga-He-Ako-Moe-Lotu), John Matthewson, Andrew Moore, Emily C. Parke, Vanessa Schouten & Krushil Watene (2021). Charting Just Futures for Aotearoa New Zealand: Philosophy For and Beyond the Covid-19 Pandemic, Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2021.1896559
Kaʻili, T.O. (2017). Tāvani: Intertwining Tā and Vā in Tongan Reality and Philology. Pacific Studies, 40 (1/2).
Kaʻili, T.O., Māhina, O. & Addo, P. (2017). Tā-Vā (Time-Space): The Birth of An Indigenous Moana Theory. Pacific Studies, 40 (1/2).
Burroughs, B. & Kaʻili, T.O. (2015). Death of a King: Digital Ritual and Diaspora. Continuum: Journal of Media and Cultural Studies. DOI: 10.1080/10304312.2015.1073684
Tengan, T.K, Kaʻili, T.O, & Fonoti, R.T. (2010). Genealogies: Articulating Indigenous Anthropology in/of Oceania. Pacific Studies, 33( 2/3).
McGrath. B.B. & Kaʻili, T.O. (2009). Creating Project Talanoa: A Culturally Based Community Health Program for U.S. Pacific Islander Adolescents. Public Health Nursing, 27(1): 17–24.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2005). Tauhi vā: Nurturing Tongan Sociospatial Ties in Maui and Beyond. The Contemporary Pacific, 17 (1): 83-114.
Edited Volumes: Peer-Reviewed
Lear, A. H., Māhina-Tuai, K.U., Vaka, S.L. & Kaʻili. T.O. (2021). ʻAtamai-Loto, moe Fakaʻofoʻofa-ʻAonga: Tongan Tā-Vā Time-Space Philosophy of Mind-Heart and Beauty-Utility. Special Issue of Pacific Studies, 44 (1/2): October 2021
Kaʻili, T.O., Māhina, O., & Addo, P. (2017). Tā-Vā (Time-Space) Theory of Reality. Special Issue of Pacific Studies, 40 (1/2), July 2017.
Tengan, T.K., Kaʻili, T.O. & Fonoti, R.T. (2010). Genealogies: Articulating Indigenous Anthropology in/of Oceania. Special Issue of Pacific Studies, 33 (2/3), August/December 2010.
Book Chapters: Peer-Reviewed
Kaʻili, T.O. (2022) Maunawila Heiau: A Hawaiian Sacred Tā-Vā, Tempospatial, Site Linking Hawaiʻi and Moana Nui. Berghahn Books, Auckland. [Invited Chapter]
Kaʻili. T.O. (2012). Felavai, Interweaving Indigeneity and Anthropology: The Era of Indigenising Anthropology. In Joy Hendry & Laara Fitznorʻs (eds) Anthropologists, Indigenous Scholars and the Research Endeavour: Seeking Bridges Towards Mutual Respect. London, United Kingdom: Routledge.
Book Chapters:
Kaʻili, T.O. (2023) Ancestral Voices of the Sea: Hearing the Past to Lead the Future. Cambridge University Press. [Invited Chapter]
Māhina, O., Kaʻili, T.O., Potauaine, S.F., Moa, B.S.T., & Māhina-Tuai, K.U. (2012). "Peau Kula:" Red Wave in Tongan Thought. In O. Māhina & K.U. Māhina-Tuai (eds) Hinavakamea and Tunavakamea as Material Art of Steel-Cutting: Intersection of Connection and Separation (English/Tongan) Loʻau Research Society (LRS) Publishing, Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2004). Origin Story from Tonga. In the "Voices of the Sea People": A Pacific Islander American Perspective. Utah State Office of Education and the REACH Center.
Articles:
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021) ʻAta: A Tāvāist Reflective Thinking and Emotive Feeling of the Images from Captain James Cookʼs Third Voyage to Tonga. Unity in Diversity, Diversity in Unity. Lagi-Maama Academy & Consultancy.
Book Sidebars:
Kaʻili, T.O. (2019). Deities of the Arts – Hikuleʻo, Tangaloa, Maui, and Hina. In Crafting Aotearoa: A Cultural History of Craft in New Zealand and the Wider Moana Oceania (2019), Karl Chitham, Kolokesa U. Māhina-Tuai and Damian Skinner (eds). Te Papa Press: Wellington, Aotearoa/New Zealand. [Invited Chapter]
Bilingual Children's Books:
Kaʻili, T.O. & Twinnies (2023). Hikuleʻo mo e Tupuʻanga ʻo e Fahú: Hikuleʻo and the Origin of the Fahu. Twinnies Publishing: Sydney, Australia.
Kaʻili, T.O. & Twinnies (2022). Tala ʻo e Kavá: Tale of the Kava. Twinnies Publishing: Sydney, Australia.
Kaʻili, T.O. & Twinnies (2022). KO E NGAAHI ʻOTUA TUʻUFONUA ʻO TONGÁ: The Indigenous Gods of Tonga. Twinnies Publishing. Sydney, Australia.
Māhina, ʻO. & Kaʻili, T.O. (2009) (translators). Kalia Lahi Fakatoukatea ko e Lomipeau / Lomipeau the Giant Double-Hulled Canoe [Bilingual Tongan-English]. Retold by H. F. M. Māhina & M. H. Māhina ʻAlatini. Illustrations by S.F. Potauaine & K.U. Māhina-Tuai. Kula-ʻUli Publishing: Aotearoa New Zealand.
Māhina, ʻO. & Kaʻili, T.O. (2009) (translators). Fonu ʻIloa ko Sangone / Sangone the Legendary Turtle [Bilingual Tonga-English]. Retold by H. F. M. Māhina & M. H. Māhina ʻAlatini. Illustrations by S.F. Potauaine & K.U. Māhina-Tuai. Kula-ʻUli Publishing: Aotearoa New Zealand.
Māhina, ʻO. & Kaʻili, T.O. (2009) (translators). Ko e Tupuʻanga ʻo e Akau ko e Kava mo e Tō / The Origin of the Kava and Sugarcane Plants [Bilingual Tongan-English]. Retold by H. F. M. Māhina & M. H. Māhina ʻAlatini. Illustrations by S.F. Potauaine & K.U. Māhina-Tuai. Kula-ʻUli Publishing: Aotearoa New Zealand.
Huffington Post Articles:
Kaʻili, T.O. (2017). Tangaloa: Reviving the Path of a Moana Deity on Winter Solstice. Huffington Post, December 21, 2017.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2016). Goddess Hina: The Missing Heroine from Disneyʼs Moana. Huffington Post, November 26, 2016.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2016). Demigod Maui: Modern Lessons from Ancient Tales of Oceania. Huffington Post, July 15, 2016.
Newspaper Articles:
Kaʻili, T.O. (1999) Tuʻu e Lā mo e Poupou [The Sail is Up and Its Supports]. Tefua-ʻa-Vaka-Lautala: Tongan Language Online Journal.
Kaʻili, T.O., & Kaʻili, A. (1999). Can We Become Tongan Without Speaking Tongan? Moana Publication, Spring 1999, Volume 2, University of Utah, p. 15.
Kaʻili, T.O. (1997) Ala ʻI Sia, Ala ʻI Kolonga: An Indigenous Tongan Proverb for Contemporary Pacific Islanders. Moana Publication, Spring 1997, Volume 1, Number 1, University of Utah, p.7.
Forewards / Introductions:
Kaʻili, T.O. (2010). Talamuʻaki [Forward]. In O. Māhinaʻs 16/11 Tonga he Fepaki / Tonga in Crisis. Auckland, New Zealand: Loʻau Research Society (LRS) Publishing.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2007). Talamuʻaki [Foreward]. In O. Māhina & K.U. Tuai-Māhinaʻs ʻAati ʻo e Lea Tonga Heliaki: Tufunga mo e Faiva Lea Heliaki [Art of Proverbs: Material and Performance Arts of Proverbs]. Auckland, New Zealand: TEDT Publishing.
Book Reviews:
McGrath, B, & Kaʻili, T.O. (2003). Review of Queen Sālote of Tonga: The Story of An Era,1900-1965. by Elizabeth Wood-Ellem Pacific Affairs, 75(4):657-659.
Tongan Poems:
Kaʻili, T.O. (2013). Vikia ʻo e Kau Toʻa Moaná [Honoring the Warriors of Oceania]. Oral recitation to honor survivors and victims of nuclear testing in Oceania. Oceanian Rising. University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa, March 1, 2013.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2008). Tukulaumea e Tangata-ʻoe-Hala-Malimali [Legacy of the Gentleman from the Malimali Road]. Tefua-ʻa-Vaka-Lautala: Tongan Language Online.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2007). Toʻongapō e Loʻau Tāpinga-ʻa-Maama [The Gift of Loʻau Tāpinga-ʻa-Maama]. In O. Māhina. Faiva Taʻanga: Maau Filifili ʻa ʻOkusitino Māhina [Art of Poetry: Selected Poems by ʻOkusitino Māhina]. Auckland, New Zealand: Loʻau Research Society Publishing.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2006). Tā ʻUluafi ʻa Loʻau Vaivaipetoa [Loʻau Vaivaipetoa Slaying the First Warrior in Battle]. In O. Māhina. Faiva Taʻanga: Maau Filifili ʻa ʻOkusitino Māhina [Art of Poetry: Selected Poems by ʻOkusitino Māhina]. Auckland, New Zealand: Loʻau Research Society Publishing.
Music Lyrics
Naeʻola, N., Funaki, U., & Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Kū Aʻe Aloha ʻĀina. Aloha ʻĀina Song for Kahuku.
WORKS IN PROGRESS:
Kaʻili, T.O. (work in progress 2023). Tongan Cosmogony & Ecological Responsibility.
Māhina-Tuai, K.U., Kaʻili, T.O. & Māhina, O. (work in progress 2023). Tongan Views of Tongan Arts: Sio FakaTonga ‘ae ‘Aati FakaTonga. Kula-ʻUli Publishing. Aotearoa New Zealand.
Bridges, C., Kaʻili, T.O., Brooks, H., Fūnaki, U., & Naeʻole, N. Ancient Hawaiian Temples in Lāʻie.
Kaʻili, T.O. & Māhina, O. Tā-Vā/Time-Space: An Indigenous Moana Philosophy of Reality. In Indigenous Relational Philosophies of Oceania, Upolu Lumā Vaai and Cresentia Francis Koya Vakaʻuta (eds.). University of the South Pacific Press [Invited Chapter]
Tecun, A., Hafoka, ʻI, Kaʻili, T.O., Siulua, S.A. A Rugby League of National Collisions and Cup Full of Indigenous Christianity: Mate Ma‘a Tonga as Sacrifice for Decolonial Tongan Futures.
Kaʻili, T.O. “In the Beginning was the Ocean:” Tongan Cosmogony in Epeli Hauʻofaʼs Oceania”. In Writings and Artworks for Epeli Hauʻofa: Tongan Views of the Pacific, Teena Brown Pulu and Paul Moon (eds). Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. University of Hawaiʻi Press. [Invited Chapter]
Māhina, ʻO. & Kaʻili, T.O. (translators). Maui Series [Bilingual Tongan-English]. Retold by H. F. M. Māhina & M. H. Māhina ʻAlatini. Illustrations by S.F. Potauaine & K.U. Māhina-Tuai. Kula-ʻUli Publishing: Aotearoa New Zealand.
Kaʻili, T.O. Ko e ʻUhingamālie ʻa e Tufunga Leá mo e Ongomālie ʻa e Ohi Leá:
The Profundity of Coining Words and the Euphony of Adopting Words.
PEER-REVIEWER OF ARTICLES:
2020: Pacific people navigating the sacred vā to frame relational care: A conversation between friends across space and time. The Contemporary Pacific.
2019: The Past Before Us: A Brief History of Tongan Kava by Arcia Tecun, Robert Reeves, Marlena Wolfgramm. Journal of the Polynesian Studies.
2017: Being Rotuman on the Internet by Alan Howard, Pacific Studies.
2016: The History and Archaeology of Lāʻie Wharf at Pounders Beach by Benjamin R. Jordan, Pacific Studies.
2015: Research Is Relational: Exploring Researcher Identities And Colonial Echoes In Pacific And Indigenous Studies by Tui Nicola Clery, Acacia Dawn Cochise, and Robin Metcalfe, Pacific Studies.
2014: Maori Skin Color vis-à-vis Eurocentric Disdain: Implications of the Bleaching Syndrome for Identity, Pacific Studies.
2010: Review Living in the Qoliqoli: Urban Squatting on the Fiji Foreshore by Dr Jenny Bryant-Tokalau, Pacific Studies.
2009: Review Working in the Space Between: Pacific Artists in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Space Between: Negotiating Culture, Place, and Identity in the Pacific. Occasional Papers 44, Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
2009: Review Wonʻt You Please Come Back to Guam?: Media Discourse, Military Buildup, and Chamorros in the Space Between. The Space Between: Negotiating Culture, Place, and Identity in the Pacific. Occasional Papers 44, Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
2009: Review Itʻs A Post, Post, Post World. The Space Between: Negotiating Culture, Place, and Identity in the Pacific. Occasional Papers 44, Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
2009: Review Confessions of a Postcolonial: Positioning a White Manʻs Research in an Age of Decolonization. The Space Between: Negotiating Culture, Place, and Identity in the Pacific. Occasional Papers 44, Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
2009: Review At the Confluence of Poetry and Politics: Comparing the lives and work of Australian Aboriginal poet and activist Oodgeroo Noonuccal and Maori poet and activist Hone Tuwhare. The Space Between: Negotiating Culture, Place, and Identity in the Pacific. Occasional Papers 44, Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
2008: Review of Modernity, Cosmopolitanism, and the Emergence of Middle Class in Tonga by Niko Besnier, The Contemporary Pacific.
2007: Review of Faiva Fakaoli: The Tongan Art of Humour by ʻOkusitino Māhina, Pacific Studies.
2007: Review of Beyond Migration: Samoan Population Movement (Malaga) and Geography of Social Space (Va) by Saʻili Lilomaiava Doktor, The Contemporary Pacific.
2005: Review of Nemesis, Speaking, and Tauhi Vahaʻa: Interdisciplinarity and the Truth of "Mental Illness" in Vavaʻu, Tonga by Michael Poltorak, The Contemporary Pacific - Volume 19, Number 1, Spring 2007, pp. 1-35.
PHD THESIS EXAMINER:
Powell, Emma (2021). ʻAkapapaʻanga ara tangata: Genealogising the (Cook Islands) Māori imaginary. Pacific Studies. Victoria University of Wellington. Te Herenga Waka. Te-Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington, Aotearoa / New Zealand
Malungahu, Gemma (2019). Too little space! Experiences and perspectives of Housing and Housing Policy: Tongan Families with rheumatic fever in South Auckland and Key Housing Informants. Health Sciences, The University of Auckland.
Metuamate, Areti (2018). Kingship and Kinship: The House of Tupou, Democracy, and Transnationalism in Tonga. Pacific Studies. The Australian National University, Canberra.
Harms, Matthew (2017). Culture and Collaborative Conservation?:
Inter-cultural Difference and the Maungatautari Project. Sociocultural Anthropology, Te Mata Kairangi School of Graduate Research, The University of Waikato
Latu, Paula O. (2017). Ko E Tala-tukufakaholo ‘o Tonga:
An Alter-Native Holistic Historiography of Tonga History from Their Own Traditional Oral Culture and through Their Own People’s Eyes. Pacific Studies, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Ferris-Leary, Helen E. (2013). An Analytical Perspective on Moana Research And the Case of Tongan Faiva. Pacific Studies. University of Auckland, Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. PhD. Thesis.
Tofuaʻipangai, Siosiua F.P. (2012). Moana-Tongan Fatongia and Obligation in Ancient Greco-Rome: Fiefia, happiness, of tauēlangi, climactic euphoria, and ʻalaha kakala, permeating fragrance – Mālie! Bravo! Social Work, Australian Catholic University. PhD. Thesis.
MA THESIS EXAMINER:
Siasau, Visesio Poasi. (2015). Mateakiʻi ‘Ilo ‘o e Laumalie Fekauʻaki ‘o Moana. Actively devoted to the spiritual, cultural and ecological knowledge of the moana people. Applied Indigenous Studies, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand. M.A. Exegesis.
Kaloni, Tomui He-Vaha-Folau. (2014). DigiFale: Technologizing of the Tongan Fale. Architecture. University of Auckland, Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. M.A. Thesis
Moa, Bruce (2011). Langi Royal Tombs: The Beginning of Tuʻi Tonga Architecture. School of Architecture and Planning, University of Auckland, Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand. M.A. Thesis.
DOCTORAL DISSERTATION/THESIS COMMITTEE MEMBER:
Funaki, Sione, M.U.H. (Current).“Ko ‘emau Nofo Pē ‘eni Ia ‘o Pukepuke Fonua”
We Are Sitting Here, Tightly Holding Onto The Land: Kava And Fonua In Ko‘olauloa. Department of Anthropology. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Kinikini, Latu (Current). Tongan American Students in Higher Education. Educational Leadership and Policy. University of Utah.
Soakai, Sarah (Current). Indigenous Churches and Covid-19: A Case Study of U.S. Tongan Communities, Latter-day Saint Mormon Institutions, and Social Services. PhD Student in Urban Planning. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Adriana Lear (Current). Tā, Vā and Faiva Hiva (Time, Space and the Performance Art of Music): A Tongan Perspective. PhD Student in Music, University of Wollongong (Australia).
Ika, Freddie (Current). International Students Use of Social Support to Adjust to University Culture. College of Doctoral Studies, Grand Canyon University.
Agustin Tino Diaz (Completed in 2022).Relationality as Decoloniality in Student Affairs: (Re)Imagining Being In and Not of, But Beyond the University, Culture & Society. University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.)
ʻInoke Hafoka (Completed in 2021). From Navigating the Waters to Navigating the Skies. PhD Student in Education. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Ram, Rosalind (Completed in 2017). Examining Parental Involvement at the Elementary-Level: The Chamoru Perspective. Doctoral in Education (Leadership) Dissertation. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
MA DISSERTATION/THESIS COMMITTEE MEMBER:
Funaki, Sione, M.U.H. (Completed in 2021). “Ko ‘Ena ‘a e Fonuá…” There, In Your Hands, Is The Land: Kava, Fatongia, and Our Relationship with Fonua. Department of Anthropology. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Dawson, Brian Kāfakafa (Completed in 2016). Car(ry)ing Tongan: Ideologies from Tongan Punake on Language, Land and Tauhi Vā. Center for Pacific Islands Studies. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/51280
INVITED LECTURES / PRESENTATIONS:
Kaʻili, T.O. (2024). Heliaki & Kupesi: Animal Symbolism. Animal Culture and Human-Animal Kinship in the Pacific: Shifting Conservation. Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. University of Auckland [Online Participation]
Kaʻili, T.O. (2024). Fonua: Intersecting Cosmogony and Ecology. 2024 David O. McKay Lecture. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi. February 13, 2024. https://speeches.byuh.edu/david-o-mckay-lectures/intersection-cosmogony-and-ecology
Ka’ili, T.O. (2023). Tauhi Fonua and Pukepuke Fonua: Tongan Cosmogonies as a Foundation for Socio-Ecological Responsibilities. Vā Kōrero. The Kava Book Club, Vā Moana Pacific Spaces. Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, July 18, 2023
Kaʻili, T.O. (2023). Language of Story: Tongan. 8th Annual Hybrid Story Crossroads Summit & Festival.
Kaʻili T.O. (2023). Tofuaʻa: Whales are Deities and Relatives in Indigenous Tongan Culture. Caring for Our Oceans - Exploring Cultural Connections and Kinship with Whales. ORKA (the Ocean Rights and Kinship Alliance) 2023 Webinar Series
Kaʻili, T.O. (2023). ʻAtua: Revitalizing Indigenous Spirituality & Ecological Responsibility. Tracy Aviary’s Jordan River Nature Center, Soókhani [Salt Lake Valley]. March 8th, 2023
Burroughs, B. & Kaʻili, T.O. (2023). Indigenizing Infrastructure: The Tā, Vā, and Rhythm of Protecting. Media and/as Infrastructural Rhythm Conference. University of Las Vegas Nevada (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2022). ʻOtua: Gender Fluidity in Tongan Deities and Ecological Knowledge. Kapaemahu Speaker Series. Pacific Connections: Gender Diversity Across Moana Nui. Bishop Museum. Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. [Fellow panelists: Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu and Adam Keawe Manalo-Camp]. July 29, 2022.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2022). Hoa: Mediation of Dualities in the Indigenous Tongan Theology of Peace & Conflict. Proclaim Peace Conference, June 9-11, 2022. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, David O. McKay Center for Intercultural Understanding, Brigham Young University, Neal A Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2022). Marking Indigeneity. Professor Alex Golubʼs ANTH 350, Pacific Island Culture, Spring 2022. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. May 4, 2022.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). “Resurrecting” Our Tonga ʻOtua. Tongan Global Scholars Talanoa No. 7. Presentation & Talanoa via Zoom, November 17, 2021
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). Tauhi Vā ʻi he Funga ʻo e Fua Fatongiá. Faaʻi Kavei Koula: Four Golden Threads. Fōfōʻanga ʻo Aotearoa Programme for the Tongan Language Week. Presentation via Zoom. (Fellow speakers: HRH Princess Siuʻilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili, Dr. Sisikula Sisifa, Rev. Kulī Fisiʻiahi, Mafua ʻa e Lulutai Professor Malakai Koloamatangi).September 6, 2021.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). Atua: Intelligence from the Ancestors. Webinar Series. Gladys Brandt Chair for Comparative Polynesian Studies. Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. Presentation via Zoom. (Fellow Panelists: Dr. Pualani Kanahele & Professor Libor Prokob. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. September 1, 2021.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). ʻAta: A Tāvāist Reflective Thinking and Emotive Feeling of the Images from Captain James Cookʼs Third Voyage to Tonga. Talanoa Thursdays, Unity in Diversity and Diversity in Unity. Lagi-Maama Academy & Consultancy. Presentation via Zoom. Aotearoa / New Zealand (Fellow Panelists: Hūfanga-He-Ako-Moe-Lotu Professor ʻOkusitino Māhina & Manuhaʻapai Vaeatangitau). June 24, 2021.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). ʻAtua: Renewable Energy as Ancestors & Relatives in Moana Oceania. Energy Sovereignty. Independent Energy Conference. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi. Presentation via Zoom. (Fellow panelists: Ikaika Hussey & Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele. Moderator: Todd Yamashita). Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. June 22, 2021
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). TONGAN TEMPLES: Ancestors and Astronomy. “ATUA: Polynesian Ancestors, Stars and Temples” Webinar Series. Gladys Brandt Chair for Comparative Polynesian Studies. Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. Presentation via Zoom. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. May 19, 2021.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). Marking Indigeneity. Professor Alex Golubʼs ANTH 350, Pacific Island Culture, Spring 2021. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. May 5, 2021.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). Talatupuʻa: Tonga Cosmogony. ʻOfa ki Tonga Talanoa. Presentation via Zoom. April 22, 2021.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). Female-Male Ancestors in Tongan Deep History. Virtual screening of the documentary film Leitis in Waiting. Co-presented with Joleen Joey Mataele. February 17, 2021
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Tongan Stars: Mataliki [Pleiades], Mātaʻu ʻa Maui [Scorpio], Haʻamonga ʻa Maui [Orion]. “ATUA: Polynesian Ancestors, Stars and Temples” Webinar Series. Gladys Brandt Chair for Comparative Polynesian Studies. Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (December 9, 2020).
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Kahuku Protectors: Forming Trans-Indigenous Solidarity. Oceanic Solidarities: Beyond Asian Settler Colonialism. 50 Years of Ethnic Studies. Celebrating Our Past and Reimagining Our Future. Ethnic Studies. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Zoom Webinar. Co-Panelists: Hōkūlani Aikau, University of Utah; Manu Karuka , Barnard College; Laurel Mei-Singh, UH Mānoa. November 17, 2020.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Kahuku Protectors & AES: Indigeneity, Environmental Justice, & Energy Justice. Energy Justice Colloquium Series. Demanding a New Era of Transparency. Presentation via Zoom. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi. October 30, 2020.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Tā-Vā: Indigenizing Academic Spaces. Session 1, Teaching & Learning Academy. Presentation via Zoom. University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu. September 11, 2020.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). The Ancestors of Tongan Arts. Tok Stori Tuesdays. Lagi-Maama Academy & Consultancy. Presentation via Zoom. Aotearoa / New Zealand (Co-presented with Hūfanga-He-Ako-Moe-Lotu Professor ʻOkusitino Māhina & Pāʻutu ʻo Vavaʻu Lahi Adrianna Lear, Sio FakaTonga ‘Ae ‘Aati FakaTonga: Tongan Views of Tongan Arts). August 31, 2020.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Tongan Creation: Hikuleʻo, Tangaloa, & Maui. “ATUA: Polynesian Ancestors, Stars and Temples” Webinar Series. Gladys Brandt Chair for Comparative Polynesian Studies. Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. Presentation via Zoom. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa July 22, 2020.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Indigeneity & Mobility: Reconnecting Hawaiʻi & Tonga. Professor Noenoe Silvaʼs Indigenous Theory Graduate Seminar. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (March 9, 2020).
Kaʻili, T.O. (2019). Moananuiākea: Tracing the Oceanic Genealogy of Hawaiian Concepts and Ancestors. Annual Kula Hawai‘i Symposium, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus. Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. November 8, 2019.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2019). Saving the Sacred Ōpeʻapeʻa of Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi State Public Library System. Kahuku Public & School Library. Kahuku, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. September 3, 2019.
Kaʻili, T.O (2019). “Salty Blood and Tears” Ocean Stories. What is in the name? How? Who? Why? Auckland University of Technology, June 24, 2019 (Co-panelists: Ty Kāwika Tengan, Vince Diaz, Julia Mageʻau Gray, Lana Lopesi, Rosanna Raymond).
Kaʻili, T.O. (2019). Marking Indigeneity: The Tongan Art of Sociospatial Relations. Dr. Lisa Uperesaʼs Pacific Studies 700 course. University of Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand, April 1, 2019.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2018). Oceanian Legends as History and Science. Mana Academy, Middle and High Schools, West Valley, City, Utah, August 28, 2018.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2018). Oceanian Legends as History and Science. Mana Academy, Elementary School, West Valley City, Utah, August 27, 2018.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2018). How to Apply the Indigenous Philosophies of the Elders to Our Own Academic/Institutional Work. Panel (with Upolu Vaai, Francis Cresantia Vakaʻuta, Unaisi Nabobo Baba). Inaugural Pacific Philosophy Conference. Vuku Ni Pasifika – Wisdom of the Pacific: Indigenous Relational Philosophies of Life. Suva, Fiji, June 14, 2018
Kaʻili, T.O. (2017). Pukepuke e Tukufakaholo hotau Fonuá: Preservation of our Heritage. 2nd Annual Tonga Day. Waimanalo, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, November 20, 2017.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2017). “Marking Indigeneity.” Hawaiian and Pacific Studies Seminar Series, University of Hawaiʻi - West Oʻahu, October 26, 2017.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2017). “In the Beginning was the Ocean”: Pacific Cosmogony in Epeli Hauʻofaʼs Oceania and Disneyʼs Moana. Auckland Museum, June 5, 2017.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2017). Hoa Patterns: Binary, Repetition, Symmetry, Kupesi, and Mana. Keynote Address during the Pacific Patterns session of the Interstices Under Construction Symposium, Auckland University of Technology, June 4, 2017.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2017). “In the Beginning was the Ocean”: Pacific Cosmogony in Epeli Hauʻofaʼs Oceania and Disneyʼs Moana. Australian Association for Pacific Studies (AAPS). History, Culture & Collections, 2017 Humanities Department Lecture Series at Museums Victoria, Melbourne Museum, April 12, 2017. https://museumsvictoria.com.au/audio/history-culture-collections-2017-lecture-series/in-the-beginning-was-the-ocean/
Kaʻili, T.O. (2015 – 2017). Heiau: A Hawaiian Sacred Site & Place of Worship. Local Communities: Principles of Civic & Moral Engagement (GE 100). Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2013). The ʻPlaceʼ of Pacific Studies. Pacific Islands Studies at BYU Hawaiʻi. The Place of Pacific studies: Pacific studies at…Oceanic Symposium. University of South Pacific. Nadi, Fiji. November 2013
Kaʻili, T.O. LDS Church History in Tonga. Religion 345: Church History in the Pacific. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, Summer Term II, August 14, 2012
Kaʻili, T.O. LDS Church History in Tonga. Religion 345: Church History in the Pacific. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, Summer Term I, May 22, 2012
Kaʻili, T.O. LDS Church History in Tonga. Religion 345: Church History in the Pacific. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, Summer Term, July 18, 2011
Kaʻili, T.O. LDS Church History in Tonga. Religions 345: Church History in the Pacific. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, Spring Term, April 17, 2011
Kaʻili, T.O. Tauhi vā: Creating Beauty/Harmony through the Performance of Tongan Social Space. History 202: History of Civilization Since 1500. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, Winter 2010.
Kaʻili, T.O. Tauhi vā: Creating Beauty/Harmony through the Performance of Tongan Social Space. History 202: History of Civilization Since 1500. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, Fall 2009.
Kaʻili, T.O. Fekumi: A Communal Research Approach. Concluding Keynote Address, 13th Tonga Research Association (TRA) Conference, "Siuʻalaimoana: Voyaging through the Oceans of Tongan Theories and Practices", University of California, Berkeley, December 2009.
Kaʻili, T.O., Fakafelavai: From the Age of Anthropologizing of Indigeneity to the Era of Indigenizing of Anthropology. History of the Divergence Session. Seeking Bridges Between Anthropology and Indigenous/Native Studies Conference, Oxford Brookes University. Oxford, England, June 2009.
Kaʻili, T.O., Tauhi Vā: Mālie e Toʻo Fatongia [Tauhi Vā: The Beauty of Performing Social Obligations]. Tu Arts of Tonga Association, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, Lāʻie, February 2008.
Kaʻili, T.O., Ko e Hohoko ʻo e Hako ʻo Kulī Haʻapai [The Genealogy of the Descendants of Kulī Haʻapai]. Kulī Haʻapai Family Reunion. Kailua, Hawaiʻi, August 2007.
Kaʻili, T.O., Sione Pota Uaine mo e Kau Faifekau mei he 1895-1997 [Sione Pota Uaine and the Missionaries from 1895-1897]. Kuli Haʻapai Family Reunion. Kailua, Hawaiʻi, August 2007.
Kaʻili, T.O. The History of the Mormons in the Pacific Basin. Calvin College Presentation, Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi, January 17, 2006.
Kaʻili, T.O., Tauhi Vā: The Tongan Cultural Practice of Maintaining Socio-spatial Relations in the Diaspora. University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa, Anthropology Colloquium Series, November 2004.
Kaʻili, T.O., Tauhi Vā: The Social Expression of Tongan Time in Space and the Formation of Social Harmony in the Diaspora. Brigham Young University – Hawaiʻi, September 2004.
Kaʻili, T.O., Migrations of Ancient Tongans. Oral Traditions and Genealogy Meeting. Manamoʻui Community Center, Seattle, Washington, February 2004.
Kaʻili, T.O., Migrations of the Moanans (Ancestral Polynesians). Pasifika Academy, Seattle, Washington, July 2003.
Kaʻili, T.O., & Kaʻili, A., "Toʻutupu Tonga ʻi he Vahaope: Tongan Youths in Cyberspace." Third Annual Pacific Studies Conference. Columbia University, February, 2002.
Kaʻili, T.O., Tongan Identity and History: Future of Tongans. "2001 Empowering Tongans - Education Conference." Toʻutupu ʻo e ʻOtu Felenite (TOFA), Sacramento, California, February 2001.
Kaʻili,T.O., Constructing/Re-constructing Pacific Islander Masculinity. Second Annual Pacific Islander Symposium. University of Utah, April, 1998.
Kaʻili, T.O. & Matagi, F. Pacific Islander Families: An Ecological Perspective. Associated Student of Social Work Annual Conference. University of Utah, February, 1998.
Kaʻili, T.O. Multicultural Education. Polynesian Children and Their Families. Education Studies 541, University of Utah, August 1996.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS:
Kaʻili, T.O. (2024). Decolonizing the Sea of Islands. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). ASAO Virtual Conference.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2023). Mana Moana: Protecting Sacredness. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). ASAO Conference. Kona, Hawaiʻi.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2023). Decolonizing the Sea of Islands. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). ASAO Conference. Kona, Hawaiʻi.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2022). Misinformation, Social Media, and the Anthropocene. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). Portland, Oregon
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). Mana Moana: Protecting Sacredness. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). ASAO Virtual Conference.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). Decolonizing the Sea of Islands. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). ASAO Virtual Conference.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Kahuku Protectors: A Trans-Indigenous Movement. Acts of Protest: Protectors, Peoples, Places, and Practices. Hawai‘i Sociological Association 41st Annual Conference. Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Mana Moana: Protecting Sacredness. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Decolonizing the Sea of Islands. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Bridges, C., Kaʻili, T.O., Brooks, H., Fūnaki, U., & Naeʻole, N. (2019). Ancient Hawaiian Temples in Lāʻie. Mormon Pacific Historical Society Conference. “Temples in the Pacific” November 16, 2019. Brigham Young University - Hawaiʻi, Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi
Kaʻili, T.O. (2019). Trans-Indigenous Connections: From Mauna a Wākea to Moananuiākea. The Struggle for Mauna Kea: New Development in Hawaiian and Oceanic Resurgence. American Anthropological Association (AAA) & Canadian Anthropological Society Conference. Vancouver, Canada. November 23, 2019. (Organizers: Ty P.K. Tengan & Ikaika Ramones. Roundtable Presenters: Mary Baker, Candis Callison, Halena Kapuni-Reynolds, Anna Michelle Freed, Lisa Kahaleole Hall, & Tēvita Orson Kaʻili)
Kaʻili, T.O. (2019). Ancestry, Genealogy, & Trans-Indigeneity. American Studies Association, Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, November 7, 2019 (Co-Presented with Kēhaulani Vaughn)
Kaʻili, T.O. (2019). Ancestry, Genealogy, & Trans-Indigenous Responsibility. Native American and Indigenous Studies Association (NAISA). University of Waikato, Kirikiriroa / Hamilton, Aotearoa/New Zealand. Co-Presented with Vince Diaz, Kēhaulani Vaughn, and Kali Fermantez. Te Kahautu Maxwell, Chair. June 27, 2019
Kaʻili, T.O. Mining the Cultural Seabed of Moana Nui: A Tāvāist Critique. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) 2019 Annual Conference. Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Kaʻili, T.O., Walker, R., Noga, J. & Walker, K (2017). Maunawila Heiau: A Hawaiian Sacred Spatiotemporal Site Linking Hauʻula and Oceania. He Manawa Whenua Indigenous Research Conference, Hamilton, Aotearoa/New Zealand, March 8, 2017
Kaʻili, T.O. “In the Beginning there was only Ocean” – Disney Mining the Cultural Seabed of Our Moana: A Tāvāist Critique. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) 2017 Annual Conference. Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi
Kaʻili, T.O. (2016). Muʻa: Front and Past are the Space and Time of the Ancestors. Moʼna: Our Past Before Us. 22nd Biennial Conference of the Pacific History Association. Tumon, Guam.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2016). Gender & Mythology in Oceania. Teaching Oceania Workshop. Kapiʻolani Community College & University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2014). Talanoa: Orality as Critical Pedagogy. Symposium on Teaching and Learning. Center for Learning and Teaching, Brigham Young University, Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi. February 28, 2014.
Kaʻili, T.O. (2014). Genealogizing, Narrating, and Caring for Maunawila Heiau – A Sacred Tā-Vā, “Time-Space”, in Hawaiʻi. Tā-Vā: Toward a Moana “Time-Space” Theory of Reality. Lalan, Chalan, Tala, Ara (Path) – Reconnecting Pacific-Asia Histories. 21st Biennial Conference of the Pacific History Association. Taipei & Taitung, Taiwan
Kaʻili, T.O. (2014). Maunawila Heiau: A Sacred Spatiotemporal Site Linking Hawaiians, Tahitians, Tongans, and Sāmoans. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) 2014 Annual Conference. Kona, Hawaiʻi
Kaʻili, T.O. (2013). The ʻPlaceʼ of Pacific Studies. Pacific Islands Studies at BYU Hawaiʻi. The Place of Pacific studies: Pacific studies at…Oceanic Symposium. University of South Pacific. Nadi, Fiji. November 2013
Māhina. O. & Kaʻili, T.O. (2012). A Tā-Vā [Time-Space] Critique of Mana, Tapu and Ngofua as Manifestations of Harmony and Beauty. American Anthropological Association of Annual Meeting, November 16, 2012
Kaʻili, T.O. Tāvani: The Intertwining of Tā and Vā in Tongan Reality and Terminology. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, February 2011.
Kaʻili, T.O. Muʻa (Front, Before), Loto (Center, Present), Mui (Back, After): The Use of Space to locate Time. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Alexandria, Virginia, February 2010.
Kaʻili, T.O. Takavaha: Ancient Contacts between Tonga and Vaihi [Hawaiʻi]. 13th Tonga Research Association Conference, "Siuʻalaimoana: Voyaging through the Oceans of Tongan Theories and Practices", University of California, Berkeley, December 2009.
Māhina, O., Kaʻili, T.O., & Addo, P. Tā-Vā, Time-Space, Theory of Reality: The Birth of An Indigenous Moana Theory. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Santa Cruz, California, February 2009.
Tengan, T.K., Kaʻili, T.O., & Fonoti, R. Articulating the Genealogies of Indigenous Anthropology in/of Oceania. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Canberra, Australia, February 2008.
Kaʻili, T.O. Tauhi Vahaʻa: Sione Pota Uaine and the LDS Missionaries from 1895-1897. Uho Tonga Historical Society History Conference, Tonga, June 2007.
Kaʻili, T.O. Tauhi Vā: Creating Beauty through the Performance of Tongan Social Spaces. Department of Anthropology, Dissertation Colloquium, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, April 2007.
Tengan, T.K., Kaʻili, T.O., & Fonoti, R. Indigenous Anthropology in/of Oceania. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Charlottesville, Virginia, February 2007.
Tengan, T.K., Kaʻili, T.O., & Fonoti, R. Indigenous Anthropology in/of Oceania. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, February 2006.
Māhina, O., & Kaʻili, T.O. Tā and Vā: Moana Cultures as Specific Spatio-temporal Formation(s) in "Time and Space". Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, February 2006.
Tengan, T.K., & Kaʻili, T.O. Indigenous Anthropology in/of Oceania. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, February 2005
Māhina, O., & Kaʻili, T.O. Moanan (Polynesian) Concept and Practice of Tā and Vā, "Time and Space." Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, February 2005.
Kaʻili, T.O., Vā & Fevahevaheʻaki: Social Space & Sharing Spaces as Pacific Research Methodologies. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting. Vancouver, Canada, February, 2003.
McGrath, B., & Kaʻili, T.O., "Ethnographic Encounters: Preventing HIV with U.S. Pacific Island Adolescents" The Society for Applied Anthropology, 2003 Annual Meeting, Portland, Oregon, March, 2003.
McGrath, B. & Kaʻili, T.O., Project Talanoa: U.S. Pacific Island Adolescents. Presenting Research Findings to Seattle Pacific Islander Communities. Manamoʻui Center, Seattle, Washington, April 2003.
Kaʻili, T.O., "Tākanga ʻEnau Fohé": Tonga and its Diasporic Communities in the 21st Century. 9th Annual Tonga History Association Conference, University of Utah, April, 2001.
McGrath, B., & Kaʻili, T.O., "The Complexities of Tongan Diaspora: Tales From the Field." 9th Tongan History Conference. University of Utah, April, 2001.
Kaʻili, T.O., Rago, E., Kaʻili, A., & Napia, E., "Fofola e Fala ka tau Veuveuki ke Lelei": The Silencing and Voice of Self and Other in (Re)Presentations." National Pacific Islanders in America Conference. Brigham Young University-Hawaiʻi, May, 2000.
Kaʻili, T.O., Pacific Islander Dropouts: Are They Marginalized and Alienated by the School System? First Annual Pacific Island Symposium. University of Utah, May, 1997.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS:
Talanoa Kōviti-19 (COVID-19 Conversation) via Zoom (with Chantelle Eseta Matagi, CJ Johnson, and Elia Titiimaea). State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Health. Pacific Islander Contact Tracing Team. December 11, 2020.
Pacific Migration. October 26, 2017 (with Dr. Lola Bautista). University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu, Hawaiian and Pacific Studies Seminar Series.
Ancestor Gods. Auckland Museum. June 5, 2017 (with Lealiʻifano Dr. Albert Refiti, Hūfanga Professor ʻŌkusitino Māhina).
Interpretive Communities: Dilemmas and Implications for Mormonism. Panel Discussion on Professor Daniel Stoutʼs 2017 David O Mckay Lecture. March 28, 2017. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi (with Dr. Daniel Stout, Dr. Jennifer Lane, and others).
Tala: Oral Traditions in Moana/Oceania on Stewardship. Climate Change and Pacific. “This Changes Everything” Climate Change Rally and Panel Q&A. Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi. December 9, 2015 (with Peleke Flores, Maxine Burkett, Stanton Enomoto, Malia Nobrega)
Climate Change, Migration, & Hawaiʻi. Waves of Change: Climate Change in the Pacific Islands and Implications for Hawaiʻi. The Center for Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa. April 2013 (Moderator for the Panel Discussion).
Tourism, Culture and Identity. University Convocation, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi. September 26, 2013. (Moderator for the Panel Discussion).
Tongan Language Week & Maintaining the Tongan Language, Radio 531PI, Auckland, New Zealand, September 6, 2011 (with Dr. Melenaite Taumoefolau, Professor Sitaleki Fīnau, and Bruce Moa).
Cultural Attitudes of Peace in the Pacific. David O. McKay Center for Intercultural Understanding, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi (with Dr. Isaiah Walker and Rosalind Ram). 2009.
Hingoa: Ko e Talafaʻunga [The History and Culture of Tongan Names]. Tu Arts of Tonga. Laʻie, Hawaiʻi (with Viliami Tolutaʻu). 2008
Lalava Toʻutangata: Binding of the Generations. Uho Tonga Historical Society Conference. Neiafu, Vavaʻu (with Dr. Eric B. Shumway, Dr. Isaiah Walker, and Bruce Jensen). 2007
The Hegemony of English: A Way Forward. Panel Discussion on Professor Mark Jamesʼ 2006 David O Mckay Lecture. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi (with Dr. Mark James and Dr. Norm Evans). 2006
Indigenous Anthropologists in Oceania. Ethnic Studies, University of Hawaiʻi (with Mark Henare and Dr. Ty Kawika Tengan). 2005
ORATORY:
Attendant Orator, During the Kava Ceremony for the 26th Friendly Islands Tongan Festival, Salt Lake City, Utah. August 12, 2023. Olovaha (Head of the Kava Ceremony) was H.E. Mr. Viliami Vaʻinga Tōnē, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Tonga to the United Nations. [Organized by the National American Tongan Society (NTAS)].
Respondent Orator, Tongan Funeral Ceremony, Death of Sisilia Mafileʻo Fehoko. Representing BYU Hawaiʻi Faculty of Culture, Language, & Performing Arts. May 30, 2019.
Respondent Orator, Tēvita O. Kaʻiliʼs Doctorate of Philosophy Celebration, Santa Cruz, California. Responding to the Moana scholars who organized the celebration. February 2009
Attendant Orator, Performance by the Phoenix Performing Arts of the Pacific, Boomerang Hall, Canberra, Australia, February 2008
Respondent Orator, Tongan Funeral Ceremony, Death of Tonga Pōteki Mālohifoʻou, Tala Koula: Tongan Community Radio Program, KRCL 90.9 FM., January 2008
Respondent Orator, Tongan Funeral Ceremony, Death of Tonga Pōteki Mālohifoʻou, West Valley City, Utah, January 2008
Attendant Orator, Tongan Funeral Ceremony, Death of Sekonaia Vea, Lahaina 2nd (Tongan) Ward, Lahaina, Maui, October 2004
Respondent Orator, A Statewide Native Hawaiian Health & Wellness Forum, Papa Ola Pono, Lōkahi Ohana O Hawaiʻi, Seattle, Washington, May 2003
Attendant Orator, ʻAnapesi L. Kaʻiliʻs Masterʻs Degree Graduation Celebration, Logan, Utah, May 2000
Respondent Orator, Tongan Funeral Ceremony, Death of Sione Langi, Salt Lake City, Utah, June 1999
Respondent Orator, Tongan Funeral Ceremony, Death of ʻAna Tamutamu Toki Mālohifoʻou, Tala Koula: Tongan Community Radio Program, KRCL 90.9 FM, May 1999
Attendant Orator, Birthday Celebration, King Taufaʻāhau Tupou IV of the Kingdom of Tonga, 80th Birthday, San Francisco, California, July 1998
INVITED SPEECHES:
Speaker, Fono: Sacred Food of Kava. During the Kava Ceremony for the 25th Friendly Islands Tongan Festival, Salt Lake City, Utah. August 13, 2022. Olovaha (Head of the Kava Ceremony) was Sela Tūkia, Consul General of the Kingdom of Tonga to the U.S. [Organized by the National American Tongan Society (NTAS)]
Speaker, Greetings to President John Sai Keong Kauwe III. Faculty Welcome. President Kauweʼs Inauguration as the 11th President of Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi. October 19, 2021.
Speaker, Ko e Hohoko mo e Fatongia ‘o e Tongá ki Vaihí: The Genealogy and Responsibility of Tongans to Hawaiʻi. 3rd Annual Tongan National Day / ʻAho Fakafonua ʻo Tongá. Makanalani Market, Olomana Golf Course, Ahupuaʻa o Waimānalo. November 12, 2018.
Speaker, Pukepuke e Tukufakaholo hotau Fonuá / Preservation of our Heritage. 2nd Annual Tonga National Day / ʻAho Fakafonua ʻo Tongá. Makanalani Market, Olomana Golf Course, Ahapuaʻa o Waimānalo. November 20, 2017.
Speaker, History of HM King Siaosi Tupou V, Memorial Service, Polynesian Cultural Center, March 28, 2012
Welcoming Speaker, Tongan Language Week Celebration, Brigham Young University, Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi, September 2011
Keynote Speaker, Kātoanga ʻIloaheako 2009 [Graduation Celebration, 2009]. Tongan-American Association of Hawaii. "Tā Kupesi: Education is the Designing of New and Beautiful Kupesi Patterns." First United Methodist Church, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. June 2009.
Guest Speaker, Kupuna Dinner. "The Traditional Roles of Kūpuna." Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi. November 2008
Keynote Speaker, Polynesian Cultural Center, Tongan Village Devotional. "Remembering Our Roots will Inspire a Prosperous Future." Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi. September 2008
Guest Speaker, Liahona Alumni Laie Chapter Recognition Award. "Ko e Kahaʻu Monuʻia ʻoku Tuʻuloa ʻi he Siu-i-Moana, Siu-i-Fonua." Kahuku, Hawaiʻi. June 2006
Guest Speaker, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi Devotional. "Tā e Fihi: Clear a Path for the Lordʻs Work." Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi. April 2005
SYMPOSIA ORGANIZED:
Kaʻili, T.O. (2023). Mana Moana: Protecting Sacredness. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). ASAO Conference. Kona, Hawaiʻi (Co-organized with Nuhisifa Williams)
Kaʻili, T.O. (2023). Decolonizing the Sea of Islands. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). ASAO Conference. Kona, Hawaiʻi (Co-organized with Nuhisifa Williams)
Ka’ili, T.O. (2022). Misinformation, Social Media, and the Anthropocene Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). Portland, Oregon (Co-Organized with Paige West).
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). Mana Moana: Protecting Sacredness. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). ASAO Virtual Conference.(Co-organized with Nuhisifa Williams)
Kaʻili, T.O. (2021). Decolonizing the Sea of Islands. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). ASAO Virtual Conference. (Co-organized with Nuhisifa Williams)
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Mana Moana: Protecting Sacredness. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). Hilo, Hawaiʻi (Co-organized with Nuhisifa Williams)
Kaʻili, T.O. (2020). Decolonizing the Sea of Islands. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). Hilo, Hawaiʻi (Co-organized with Nuhisifa Williams)
Mana Moana: Protecting Sacredness. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. (Co-Organized with Nuhisifa Seve-Williams, February 2019)
Mana Moana: We Are Moana, We Are Maui. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi. (Co-Organized with Nuhisifa Seve-Williams, February 2017)
Siuʻalaimoana: Voyaging through the Oceans of Tongan Theories and Practices. Tonga Research Association (TRA). Co-organized with Fahina Tavake-Pasi, Mataele Fīnau, Dr. ʻAsinate Sāmate, and Dr. Helen Lee, December 2009
Hingoa: Ko e Talafaʻunga [Tongan Names: History and Culture]. Tu Arts of Tonga. Co-organized with Viliami Tolutaʻu (ʻAho-Inu-Kava), May 2008
Tufunga Lalava: The Tongan Art of Decorative Lashing. Tu Arts of Tonga. Co-organized with Filipe Tohi (Sopolemalama) and Viliami Tolutaʻu (ʻAho-Inu-Kava), April 2008
ʻUtulalo ʻo e Tuʻunga Fakalotu, Politikale, Sosiale, moe Saianisi ʻi Tonga [ʻUtulalo of the Religious, Political, Social, and Scientific Foundation of Tonga]. Tu Arts of Tonga. Co-organized with Tēvita Fale (Tala-ki-Haʻamoa) and Viliami Tolutaʻu (ʻAho-Inu-Kava). March 20, 2008
Tauhi Vā: Mālie e Toʻo Fatongia [Tauhi Vā: Oh How Beautiful the Performance of Social Obligations]. Tu Arts of Tonga. Co-organized with Viliami Tolutaʻu (ʻAho-Inu-Kava), February 2008
Articulating the Genealogies of Indigenous Anthropology in/of Oceania. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Canberra, Australia. Co-Organized with Ty Kawika Tengan and Rochelle Fonoti, February 2008
Articulating the Genealogies of Indigenous Anthropology in/of Oceania. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Charlottesville, Virginia, Australia. Co-Organized with Ty Kawika Tengan and Rochelle Fonoti, February 2007
Articulating Indigenous Anthropology in/of Oceania. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, San Diego, California. Co-Organized with Ty Kawika Tengan and Rochelle Fonoti, February 2006
Tā and Vā: Moana Cultures as Specific Spatio-temporal Formation(s) in "Time and Space". Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, San Diego, California. Co-Organized with ʻOkusitino Māhina, February 2006.
Indigenous Anthropology in/of Oceania. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi. Co-Organized with Ty Kawika Tengan, February 2005
Moanan (Polynesian) Concept and Practice of Tā and Vā, "Time and Space." Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO) Annual Meeting, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi. Co-Organized with ʻOkusitino Māhina, February 2005
"Tākanga ʻEnau Fohé": Tonga and its Diasporic Communities in the 21st Century. 9th Annual Tonga History Association (THA) Conference, University of Utah. Co-Organized with Fāhina Tavake Pasi, and Edwin Napia, April, 2001.
1st Annual Pacific Island Symposium, Center for Ethnic Students (CESA), University of Utah. Co-Organized with Fuifuilupe Niumeitolu, Edwin Napia, and Fahina Tavake-Pasi. May, 1997.
MEDIA PROGRAMS:
Tala Koula, Veitatala, KRCL FM 90.9. Salt Lake City, Utah. Tongan Culture & Deep History. Every 2nd Sunday. Online. September 2019 to Present
Topics included: Tongan Cosmogony, Tongan Astronomy, Tongan Deified Ancestors – Hikuleʻo, Tangaloa, & Hina, Chief Loʻau / Lāʻau of Tonga & Hawaiʻi, Ancestral Links between Hawaiʻi & Tonga, Origin and Meaning of Taʻovala (Tongan Waist Mats), Origin and Meaning of Kava, Meaning of Tā Kupesi (Geometric Patterns), Heliaki (Tongan Metaphors, Metonyms, Synecdoches). Language Preservation & Revitalization, Indigenous Mathematics, Indigenous Astronomy, Lineages, Tongan Arts, Mataliki Star Cluster, Repatriation of Ancestral Remains with Uanivā Havea (Jan. 14, 2024). Tongan Tātatau (Tattoos) with Dr. ʻInoke Funaki (Feb. 11, 2024), etc.
Video Interview (via Zoom) of Merius (Mirius) Wenda. Free West Papau. Tala Koula Radio Program. KRCL FM 90.9. Salt Lake City, Utah. January 28, 2024
Loʻau University, Loʻau and World Scholars. Loʻau Multimedia Programmes / Polokalama Mitiafaifio. Canberra, Australia. Every 2nd & 3rd Thursdays. Online. September 2021 to Present
Topics included: Tongan Creation, Indigenous Tongan Religion, Tongan Clans, Indigenous Tongan science and history, Tongan Ethnomathematics - Indigenous Counting System.
MEDIA INTERVIEWS:
Video Interview (via Zoom) by ʻAna Tuʻionuku. The Essence of the Tongan Woman and Man. Twinnies Publishing, June 17, 2022.
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Tupou Kelemeni. Huhu Maluʻi KŌVITI-19 (COVID-19 Vaccination & Tongan Culture). Pōtatala Tongan Language Program. KNDI 1270 AM. Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. June 30, 2021
Radio Interview (via Zoom) by Sione Tuʻalau Makahili and Emily Tofu. Kōviti-19 mo e Anga Faka-Tongá (COVID-19 and Tongan Culture). Radio Tonga Vākē Tali Folau U.S.A. August 12, 2020. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/radiovtf/permalink/3718253601535984)
Newspaper Interview (via telephone) by Dan Nakaso of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Pacific Islanders and COVID-19. Honolulu Star-Advertiser, August 5, 2020. Story published on August 6, 2020. Title: “Surge in Hawaii coronavirus cases highlights disparities for Pacific Islanders” (https://www.staradvertiser.com/2020/08/06/hawaii-news/surge-in-virus-cases-highlights-disparities-for-pacific-islanders/)
Radio Interview by Dr. ʻAfa Palu. Education for Tongans, Tongan Culture & Language, Indigenous Science. Lofa Tala Matangi Radio Program, Radio Tonga Vake Tali Folau Global Media. March 13, 2019
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Filipo Motulalo and Milika Pusiaki. Meaning of the name Tonga, Tongan Language, & Lapita Culture. Launching of the Extended Tongan Radio Programme. Radio PMN Tonga. Radio 531pi. Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. January 22, 2019
Radio Interview (in studio) by ‘Ivoni Mālohifoʻou Nash, Lupe Mālohifoʻou Prescott, & Mele Toʻo Folau. Tongan Culture in the Diaspora. Tala Koula, KRCL 90.9 FM, Salt Lake City, Utah, August 26, 2018
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Seini Taumoepeau, Presenter and Producer of Pacific Mornings. Marking Indigeneity: The Tongan Art of Sociospatial Relations. Pacific Mornings. ABC Radio Australia. July 19, 2018
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Tēvita Maka (along with Hūfanga Professor ʻOkusitino Māhina). “Tā-Vā Teolia/Filōsofia ʻo e ʻIaí.” Radio 531pi. Star of the Week Program. Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. July 25, 2017
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Nanasi Pauʻu Milika Pusiaki. “Ko e Mahuʻinga ʻo e Sia Heulupé.” Radio 531pi. Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. May 30, 2017
Newspaper Interview (via telephone) by Carla Herreria, Senior Writer for Huffington Post. “The Mysterious Reason Tourists Keep Mailing Rocks Back To Hawaii.” https://www.huffpost.com/entry/peles-curse-lava-rocks hawaii_n_5800337de4b05eff5582c5c7
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Molly Solomon. “Disney Pulls 'Moana' Costume Many Called Offensive.” Hawaiʻi Public Radio, September 21, 2016. http://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/post/disney-pulls-moana-costume-many-called-offensive
Newspaper Interview (via telephone) by Carla Herreria, Senior Writer for Huffington Post. “Disney Pulled That Offensive ‘Moana’ Costume. Here’s Why It Matters.” Huffington Post, September 19, 2016. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/disney-maui-costume-brownface_us_57e0c4cde4b08cb14097b892?kxyaretz8bxyfogvi
News Informant provided to Katie Distler, NBC News. “Oceanian Culture 101 on the Traditional Attire of Pita Taufatofua, Tongan Flag-bearer, at the Olympics Opening Ceremony.” NBC News, August 6, 2016. https://www.today.com/news/pita-taufatofua-flag-bearer-tonga-shines-today-show-t101587
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Nanasi Pauʻu Milika Pusiaki (along with Brian Dawson and ʻĪsoa Kavakimotu). The Depiction of the demigod Maui in Disney’s Moana. Radio 531pi. Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. July 1, 2016
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Sione Tuʻalau Makahili. “Ko e Faiva ʻo e Punaké: Ko e Mahuʻinga ʻo e Heliakí.” Radio Tonga VAKE-TALI-FOLAU, San Francisco, California, February 23, 2016.
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Nanasi Pauʻu Milika Pusiaki. “The Art of Punake” documentary. Radio 531pi. Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. February 5, 2016
Radio Interview (via telephone) by John Nicholas Pulu and Tēvita Pasi. “The Art of Punake” documentary. Radio 531pi. Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand, January 29, 2016
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Sione Tuʻalau Makahili, “The Art of Punake” documentary. Radio Tonga VAKE-TALI-FOLAU, San Francisco, California, January 26, 2016
Television Interview (in studio) by Salama Fulivai. “BYU Hawaiʻi Career Connect Tonga.” Television Tonga. Tonga Broadcasting Commission, Nukuʻalofa, Tongatapu, Tonga, March 20, 2014. https://youtu.be/lkbO-LCqy9Q
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Supi Maʻilei & ʻIvoni Mālohifoʻou-Nash (along with Charlene Lui). Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, Kanaʻiolowalu Initiative, Polynesian Alliance, KRCL 90.9 FM, Salt Lake City, Utah, August 26, 2012
Radio Interview (via telephone). Changes to the Traditional Tongan Culture, Talk Back Show, Leʻo e ʻOtu Felenite, Radio 531pi. Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand, April 3, 2012
Radio Panel Interview (at studio) (along with Professor Sitaleki Fīnau and Uanivā Havea), Preserving the Tongan Language, Talk Back Show, Leʻo e ʻOtu Felenite, Radio 531 pi, Auckland, New Zealand, November 30, 2011
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Sione Tuʻalau Makahili, Tongan Language Week & Maintaining the Tongan Language, Radio Tonga VAKE-TALI-FOLAU, San Francisco, California, September 7, 2011
Radio Panel Interview (along with Dr. Melenaite Taumoefolau, Professor Sitaleki Fīnau, and Bruce Moa [via telephone]), Tongan Language Week & Maintaining the Tongan Language, Talk Back Show, Leʻo e ʻOtu Felenite, Radio 531pi, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand, September 6, 2011
Radio Interview (via telephone) by Monalisa Palu, Tongan Language Week & Maintaining the Tongan Language, BroadCom 89.5 FM, Tongatapu, Tonga, August 15, 2011
Group Call Interview, Maintaining Harmonious Sociospatial Relations & Tongan Culture, Peau ʻo e Pasifiki, March 17, 2011
Group Call Interview, Preserving and Revitalizing the Tongan Language, Peau ʻo e Pasifiki, February 18, 2011
Radio Interview, Education and Pacific Islander Americans, Tala Koula, Tongan Community Radio Program, KRCL 90.9 FM, Salt Lake City, Utah, June 2008
Radio Panel Interview by Siosiua L. Tofuaʻipangai (along with Hūfanga Dr. ʻOkusitino Māhina), Pōtatala ʻae Kolomuʻa, Loʻau Research Society: Critical Inquiry and Applied Research, 1CMS Community Radio 91.1 FM, Canberra, ACT, Australia, February 2008
Radio Panel Interview by Luseane Halaevalu Tuita (along with Hūfanga Dr. ʻOkusitino Māhina), Pōtatala ʻae Kolomuʻa, Pacific Youth: Issues and Problems, 1CMS Community Radio 91.1 FM, Canberra, Australia, February 2008
Radio Panel Interview Siosiua L. Tofuaʻipangai (along with Hūfanga Dr. ʻOkusitino Māhina), Pōtatala ʻae Kolomuʻa, Fōfōʻanga, Music, Dance and Poetry, 1CMS Community Radio 91.1 FM, Canberra, Australia, February 2008
Video Interview, Education in Zion: BYU-Hawaii Speaks, Brigham Young University, June 2007
TV Panel Interview by Choon James (along with Dr. Mark James, Viliami Tolutaʻu), Uho Tonga Historical Society Conference, Country Talk Story, ʻŌlelo Community Media, 2007
Radio Interview by Fātima ʻAho, Education and Pacific Islander Americans, Voice of the South Pacific, Tongan Community Radio Program, Seattle, Washington, 2003
Radio Panel Interview by Fātima ʻAho, Education and Pacific Islander Americans, Voice of the South Pacific, Tongan Community Radio Program, Seattle, Washington, 2002
Radio Panel Interview by ʻIvoni Nash & Fāhina Tavake-Pasi (along with ʻAnapesi L. Kaʻili), University Education, Tala Koula, Tongan Community Radio Program, KRCL 90.9 FM, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2002
Video Interview, The Polynesian Gift to Utah (Producer: Kathleen Weiler), KUED 7 Production, University of Utah, 1999
MEDIA PRESENTATIONS:
Media Broadcasting, Interviewed by Sinitā ʻUluʻave, Preserving the Tongan Language. Tonga Maʻa Tonga: The People, The Culture, The Love; Islanders of the Pacific, ʻŌlelo Community Media, NATV 53, October 3, 2011
Media Broadcasting, Keynote Address during the Kātoanga ʻIloaheako 2009 [Graduation Celebration, 2009]. Tongan-American Association of Hawaii. "Tā Kupesi: Education is the Designing of New and Beautiful Kupesi Patterns." First United Methodist Church, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, ʻŌlelo Community Media, November 2009
FILM CULTURAL CONSULTANT/ADVISOR:
Leitis in Waiting. “A feature documentary and short film about an intrepid group of transgender women rising to reclaim their righteous place in a South Pacific Kingdom.” Film by Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson and Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu. 2017
Lady Eva. A short film about Eva Baron, a transgender Tongan women. “Eva Baron, a young transgender woman on a journey to become her true self in the Kingdom of Tonga - with a little inspiration from Tina Turner along the way. Set in the last remaining monarchy in the Pacific, LADY EVA explores the clash between traditional culture and modern religious zealotry through a raw yet tender portrait of a determined Tonga leiti.” Film by Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson and Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu. 2017
CURRICULUM REVIEWER:
Curriculum Reviewer and Cultural Adviser, It Takes a Village: Giving Our Babies the Best Chance. Utah Department of Health. Office of Health Disabilities, 2018
GRANT REVIEWER:
Grant reviewer for the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Research Partnerships- Pacific Health Research Partnership initiative, 2012
FUNDINGS OBTAINED:
Professional Development Fund During Sabbatical ($3,500), Faculty of Culture, Language, & Performing Arts, 2023
Professional Development Fund ($4,000), Faculty of Culture, Language, & Performing Arts, 2022
Professional Development Fund ($2,000), Faculty of Culture, Language, & Performing Arts, 2020
Professional Development Fund ($4,000), Faculty of Culture, Language, & Performing Arts, 2019
Professional Development Fund ($2,000), College of Arts & Humanities, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2018
Professional Development Fund ($3,000), College of Arts & Humanities, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2017
Professional Development Fund ($3,500), College of Arts & Humanities, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2016
Professional Development Fund ($4,000), College of Language, Culture, & Arts, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2016
Professional Development Fund ($2,000), College of Language, Culture, & Arts, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2015
Professional Development Fund ($2,000), College of Language, Culture, & Arts, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2014
Professional Development Fund ($2,000), College of Language, Culture, & Arts, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2013
Professional Development Fund ($2,000), College of Language, Culture, & Arts, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2012
Professional Development Fund ($2,000), College of Language, Culture, & Arts, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2011
Professional Development Fund ($2,000), College of Language, Culture, & Arts, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2010
Professional Development Fund ($1,300), College of Language, Culture, & Arts, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2009
Professional Development Fund ($1,200), College of Language, Culture, & Arts, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2009
Professional Development Fund ($648.70), For the Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania Conference, February 12-16, 2008. College of Arts and Sciences, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2008
Professional Development Fund ($1,321.80), For Lalava Toʻutangata: Binding of Generations Conference in Tonga. June 13-24, 2007. College of Arts and Sciences, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2007
Conference Support Fund ($2,600), College of Arts and Sciences, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2007
Professional Development Fund ($1,300), College of Arts and Sciences, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2006
Conference Support Fund ($2,600), College of Arts and Sciences, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2006
Conference Support Fund ($2,600), College of Arts and Sciences, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 2005
Pacific Islander Mini-grant, Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO), Annual Conference, Charlottesville, Virginia, February 2007
Pacific Islander Mini-grant, Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO), Annual Conference, San Diego, California, February 2006
Pacific Islander Mini-grant, Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO), Annual Conference, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, February 2005
Pre-dissertation Pilot Research Award ($2,100), Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, August 2002
Teachers College Award (Conference Stipend), Pacifika Ways of Knowing. Youth of the South Pacific Diaspora Crossing Cultural, General and Global Boundaries. Teachers College, Columbia University, February 2002
Traveling Stipend, "2001 Empowering Tongans - Education Conference", Toʻutupu ʻo e ʻOtu Felenite Association (TOFA), Sacramento, California, February 2001
Traveling Stipend, Project Talanoa, Tonga History Association Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, April 2001
Conference Scholarship ($2,000), Pacific American Leadership Institute. Pacific American Foundation (PAF), Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, August 2000
Graduate School Stipend ($5,000), Division of Child & Family Services, September 1997- June 1998
Graduate School Stipend ($3,000), Asian Association of Utah, September 1996 – June 1997
LANGUAGE:
Tongan: Excellent comprehension, speaking, reading, writing in Tongan. Excellent in translating/interpreting from Tongan to English and English to Tongan. Familiar with classical/ancient Tongan language.
PROFESSIONAL:
Professional Activities:
Board Member, Loʻau University, 2022 - Present
Board Member, Pacific Islands Monograph Series (PIMS), 2020 - Present
Board Member & Vice Chair, Mormon Pacific Historical Society, 2015 – 2019
Board Member, National Pacific American Leadership Institute (NAPALI), 2013 – Present
Board Member, Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO), 2007 – 2010
Conference Committee Member, Tonga Research Association (TRA), 2008 - 2009
Member, Vavaʻu Academy for Critical Inquiry & Applied Research (VACIAR), 2007 - Present
Member, Loʻau Research Society, 2002 - Present
Conference Committee Member, Tonga History Association (THA), 2000 – 2001
Conference Committee Member, Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA), Center for Ethnic Student Affairs, 1996
Editorship:
Associate Editor, Pacific Studies. The Pacific Institute, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2016 – 2022
Book & Media Review Editor, Pacific Studies. The Pacific Institute, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2006 – 2016
Editor, Tefua-ʻa-Vaka-Lautala, Online Tongan Language Journal. Planet-Tonga.Com, 1999 – 2007
Voyaging:
Crew Member, Hōkūleʻa, Sailing from Oʻahu to Molokaʻi as part of the National Pacific American Leadership Institute (NAPALI), October 2003
UNIVERSITY & COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Member, Committee to provide GRANT TO RETURN INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE TO PACIFIC ISLANDS COMMUNITIES. Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania (ASAO). January 2024 - Present
Member, Tonga Tsunami Relief Fund Committee, 2022 - 2023
Member, Energy Justice Hui, Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, 2021 - Present
Member & Convener, Koʻolau Waialua Alliance. 2020 - Present.
President, Kahuku Community Association, Kahuku, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, 2017 - 2020
Member & Convener, Diversifying Faculty Group, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2017 – 2018
Member, ʻAha Alakaʻi Iosepa (Iosepa Double-Hulled Canoe Leadership Council). Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi. 2016 - Present
Member, Koʻolauloa Hawaiian Civic Club. 2015 – Present
Faculty Member, CareerConnect Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, Career Services, Brigham Young University Hawaii, July, 2015.
Faculty Member, CareerConnect Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, Career Services, Brigham Young University Hawaii, March, 2014.
Committee Member, Maunawila Heiau Steering Committee. Hauʻula Community Association. 2013 - Present
Committee Member, Promotional Review Committee. Brigham Young University Hawai’i. 2013 - 2015
Committee Member, Develop Local Communities Course. Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi. 2013 – 2014
Committee Member, Memorial Service for the Late King George Tupou V. Polynesian Cultural Center & Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, Lāʻie, HawaiʻI – March 2012
Committee Member, Tongan Language Week, Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi, August – September 2011
Committee Member, Global Tongan Language Week, May – September 2011
Internship Coordinator, Department of International Cultural Studies & World Languages, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, April 2011 – Present
Faculty Member, CareerConnect Washington D.C, Career Services, Brigham Young University Hawaii, June 7 – June 14, 2011.
Vice Chair, Faculty Advisory Council (FAC), Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, September 2009 - 2010
Member, Faculty Job Search Committee, Jonathan Nāpela Center for Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Studies, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, February – March 2009
Member, Faculty Job Search Committee, Social Work Department, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, February – March 2008
Recorder, Faculty Advisory Council (FAC), Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2008 – 2009.
Member, Faculty Job Search Committee, Department of International Cultural Studies & World Languages, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, January – March 2008
Member (FAC rep.), Academic Planning Council (APC), Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, February 2008 – April 2008
Member (FAC rep.), College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Council, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, September 2007 – April 2008
Member, Faculty Advisory Council (FAC), Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2007 – 2010
Member, Pacific Islands Studies Scholarship Committee, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2007 - Present
Member, Tu Arts of Tonga, Laʻie, Hawaiʻi, 2006 – Present
Member, Uho Tonga Historical Society, Laʻie, Hawaiʻi, 2006 – Present
Member, Devotional and Special Events Task Force, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2006
Member, University Delegates to Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2006
Member, Hui ʻIke: Pacific Islander Faculty, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2005 - Present
Member, International Cultural Studies Scholarship Committee, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi, 2005 – Present
Network Coordinator, National Pacific American Leadership Institute (NAPALI), NAPALI Yahoo! Group, 2003 - Present
Facilitator, National Pacific American Leadership Institute (NAPALI), 2003 - Present
Presenter, Polynesian Student Alliance (PSA), University of Washington, 2002
Facilitator, Project Talanoa, Psychosocial and Community Health, University of Washington, 2001-2002
Tutor: Manamoʻui Community Center, Seattle, Washington, 2000-2003
Fellow, Pacific American Leadership Institute, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, 2000
Facilitator, Race Relations Seminar, University of Utah, 1999
Facilitator, Family Group Conferencing, Utah Division of Child & Family Services, 1999-2000
Member, Pacific Islander Advisory Council, Utah Office of Ethnic Affairs [Appointed by Governor Michael O. Leavitt], 1998-2000
Member, West Valley City Polynesian Council, West Valley City, Utah [Appointed by the City Manager and report to the City Council] 1999-2000
Instructor, U.S. Citizenship Test Preparation Course, National Tongan American Society (NTAS), 1996-1998
Member, National Tongan American Society (NTAS), 1996-2000
TRAININGS:
Trainer, Antiracism: Cultural Racism & Cultural Antiracism. Training for the Social Work Faculty in the Social Work Program at Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi. February 20, 2024
Guest Trainer, Reading & Writing Center, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi. How to Help Students. March 2009
ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEWS:
Oral History Interview by Kimberly Mooney, Archeologist for Pacific Legacy Inc. Impact of Industrial Wind Turbines on Culturally Significant Winged Creatures in Kahuku, Hawaiʻi. Cultural Impact Assessment for Na Pua Makani Wind Energy Project, Laie, Hawaii, August 1, 2015
MEDIA WRITINGS:
Blogger, Huffington Post. July 2016 – December 2017
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Administrator, Koʻolau Waialua Facebook Page. January 2021 - Present
Administrator, Mana Moana: We Are Moana, We Are Maui. Facebook Page for Critiquing Disneyʼs movie Moana. October 2016 – Present
Administrator, NAPALI, Facebook Group & Facebook Page for networking with the National Pacific American Leadership Institute fellows, June 2011 – Present
Administrator, Faculty of Culture, Language, & Performing Arts, BYU–Hawaii, Facebook Group for networking with students, alumni, staff, and professors, September 2018 - Present
Administrator, International Cultural Studies BYU–Hawaii, Facebook Group for networking with ICS students, graduates, and professors, April 2011 – September 2018
Administrator, Tāvāism, Facebook Group for discussing the Tā-Vā Theory of Reality, March 2011 – Present
Administrator, Taulanga Tufungalea / Tongan WordsWorld, Facebook Group for discussing the Tongan language, January 2011 – Present
Administrator, Tonga Research Association (TRA), Facebook Group. February 20, 2009 - Present
Administrator, Kupenga-ʻa-Maui Database, NAPALI Yahoo! Group for networking with National Pacific American Leadership Institute fellows, July 2004 – 2016
Administrator, NAPALI, Yahoo! Group for networking with National Pacific American Leadership Institute fellows, July 2004 – 2016
ARCHIVIST:
Archivist, Tā-Vā Philosophy of Reality. Papers, Theses, Dissertations, & Art Works, Google Drive & Website. February 2008 to Present. Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/0B0zcM2pzPDYZTnNWTEZPMTRkMFE
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/tavaism/home
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
:
David O. McKay Lecture ($1000.00), Brigham Young University–Hawaii. February 13, 2024
Faculty Award: Scholarship ($1000.00). Presented to Tēvita O. Kaʻili “For Your Dedicated Years of Outstanding Service and Commitment, BYU–Hawaii, February 16, 2023.
2019 Koʻolauloa Person of the Year, Lāʻie Voice. https://www.facebook.com/LaieVoice/posts/2573212549579063
Faculty Appreciation Award ($1000.00), Brigham Young University–Hawaii, College of Language, Culture, and Arts, 2015
Faculty Appreciation Award ($1,100.00), Brigham Young University–Hawaii, College of Language, Culture, and Arts, 2009
Excellence in Teaching, University of Washington, Polynesian Student Association, 2003
Whoʼs Who Among Students In American Universities & Colleges, University of Utah, 1997-1998
Deanʼs List, Brigham Young University–Hawaii, 1990-1993
NOMINATIONS:
Graduate School Medal Nominee, University of Washington, The Graduate School, 2005
ANCESTRAL TITLE:
Hūfanga-He-Ako-Moe-Lotu Professor Dr. ʻOkusitino Māhina, a Tongan chief (younger brother title of Fakafanua), bestowed on me the ancestral title Maui-Tāvā-He-Akó (lit. Maui Configuring the Time-Space of Education) to recognize my academic work in leading the way in formulating and developing the Indigenous-based tā-vā (time-space) philosophy/theory of reality. The title also commemorates my ethnographic fieldwork in Maui, Hawaiʻi. The name “Maui” is also taken from my direct deified ancestor Maui ʻAtalanga (Maui the Sky Lifter) and Maui Kisikisi (Maui the Land Fisher) from Koloa, Vavaʻu, Tonga. They are known as Maui Akalana and Maui Kiʻikiʻi in Hawaiʻi. Title Bestowed on November 17, 2009.
CV Last Revised April 28, 2024