Maya Saffery

Maya
Saffery

Curriculum Specialist,
Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language

Maya L. Kawailanaokeawaiki Saffery was born and raised in Ko‘olaupoko, O‘ahu and is an ongoing student of the language and culture of her ancestors. With a Bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Language and both a Master’s and PhD in Education from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), she serves as the Curriculum Specialist for Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language at UHM. In this capacity, she is responsible for researching, developing, implementing, and evaluating graduate and undergraduate curricula for use within Kawaihuelani as well as out in the broader community. Her research interests include approaches to ‘āina education that honor and nurture the development of kanaka-‘aina (people-land) relationships in all aspects of the curriculum and pedagogy, ‘Ōiwi research methodologies, and development of culturally grounded, interdisciplinary Hawaiian language undergraduate and graduate curriculum.


Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language