Native Hawaiian Warrior Honor Stick (2021)

Kānaka Maoli or Native Hawaiians received a federal Apology Resolution (United States Public Law 103-150) which is the only formal Truth & Reconciliation action by the United States to any Indigenous population. The resolution acknowledges the United States role in the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii’ under the leadership of Queen Liliuokalani. This stick honors the warrior tradition of the Native Hawaiian people. This creative form of lacrosse art was steam-bent and hand-carved by Dr. Rodney C. Haring (Seneca Nation, Beaver Clan) using Hawaiian Koa wood. Koa’s Indigenous translation is “Warrior” and is the ancestral tree across Hawaiian Islands traditionally harvested and carved by Kānaka Maoli for traditional war items—most notably—clubs. The lacrosse stick carries hand-braided coconut hair cordage for netting. The sidewall is finished with tradition fish-raw hide, “Kala” (Unicorn fish), used in ceremonial drums. We send much Aloha and Mahalo (thank you) to Polynesian craftsman, Mataiasi Taufa (Miti’s Art Gallery) and family, for the hand-made cordage and Kala—along with Dr. Mallie Taualii (Kānaka Maoli ) for her guidance on cultural, historical, and social justice contexts across Polynesia. Lastly, many nya:wehs (thank you) to master lacrosse stick weaver, Brody D. Jimerson (Seneca Nation, Wolf Clan), for his talent in tying together the history of the Kānaka Maoli warrior tradition.