Prioritizing “the Life of the Land” at the Center

“A nation may be said to consist of its territory, its people and its laws. The territory is the only part which is of certain durability. Laws change, people die, the land remains” – Abraham Lincoln.

A sense of reverence and belonging to the land has always been a hallmark of indigenous people the world over, and none more so than the Polynesians. With that thought in mind and Abraham Lincoln’s stirring words, how wonderful it is to see kalo growing abundantly throughout the PCC, especially in our Hawaiian village. How wonderful it is to see PCC ohana from diverse occupations, planting and harvesting and strengthening their connection to the land. We owe a sincere debt of gratitude to Lono Logan and those who envisioned this long before it happened. I am also delighted to see “kumara” or sweet potato growing in Aotearoa and a beautiful farm taking shape in Samoa that will feature bananas and other island crops. Each island village is

moving forward in planting and growing crops from their homelands that have sustained our people for centuries.

I look forward to having our guests walk through our plantations, partake of their bounties and appreciate our relationship with Earth Mother, that we are stewards, never really owners.

“Laws change, people die, the land remains”.

Imua!

P. Alfred Grace