Supporting Ni‘ihau Dialect Busy Books for Kaua‘i Keiki

Yá’át’ééh (Hello)!

As a Navajo woman and advocate for language preservation, I deeply understand the importance of keeping indigenous languages alive. My work in creating Navajo language busy books has taught me how vital these tools are in connecting children to their cultural identity. Now, I want to bring that same impact to another indigenous community: the Hawaiian people of Ni‘ihau.

I am raising funds to produce 200 Ni‘ihau Dialect Busy Books and donate them to schools and families on Kaua‘i. These interactive books will help keiki (children) learn and preserve the unique Ni‘ihau Hawaiian dialect, one of the purest forms of the Hawaiian language.

Why This Project Matters:

As indigenous people, our languages are the heart of our identity. Yet, many children today grow up without access to the resources needed to learn their ancestral tongues. These busy books are designed to change that, providing hands-on, culturally relevant tools to strengthen language learning and build pride in their heritage.

What Your Support Will Do:

Printing Costs: High-quality, durable books for children.

Distribution: Ensuring these books reach Kaua‘i schools and families in need.

Empowerment: Supporting a new generation in reclaiming and cherishing their native language.

Coming from a community that has faced similar challenges in keeping our language alive, I feel deeply honored to contribute to this effort for the Ni‘ihau dialect. These busy books are more than learning tools; they are a way to honor and uplift the next generation of Hawaiian children.

How You Can Help:

Your donation—big or small—will make a tremendous difference. You can also help by sharing this campaign with your friends and family. Together, we can celebrate and preserve the voices of Ni‘ihau for generations to come.

Ahéhee' (Thank you) and mahalo nui loa for your support!

*ps: The cover photo is not the final product. Ni’hau dialect Hawaiian language busy book is still in design stage with Ni’hau contacts in Kaua’i. Final product will be shared with donors and on instagram.

With gratitude and respect,

Letia