Fonua: Intersecting Cosmogony and Ecology

Tēvita O. Kaʻili
Professor, Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts
Brigham Young University-Hawaii (February 13, 2024)
Tēvita Ka’ili gives an insightful and culturally expansive David O. McKay Lecture. His address was titled "Fonua: Intersecting Cosmogony and Ecology." Embracing his Tongan cosmogony, he invites students, staff, faculty, and community members to, "embark on a meaningful journey into researching and learning the cosmogonies of [their] own culture. Within these foundational narratives, [one] will uncover the unique fatongia, or cultural responsibilities, bestowed upon [them] to nurture and protect God’s Creation."
His full speech, “Fonua: Intersecting Cosmogony and Ecology”, can be found at speeches.byuh.....
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Tēvita Ka’ili is an expert in Indigenous Anthropology, specializing in Moana/Oceanian Tā-Vā (Time-Space) Theory, migration, diaspora, and Indigenous knowledge. He also focuses on Tongan language revitalization, Pacific Islands Studies, and the anthropology of religion. Dr. Ka’ili holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Washington, along with an M.S.W. in Social Work, a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Utah, and a B.S. in Accounting from BYU-Hawaiʻi. He teaches courses in Cultural Anthropology, critical ethnographic methods, and Pacific Islander Studies.
#BYUHawaii #BYUHdevo #Christian #Inspirational

[@TheJenkins9]

I feel honored to have received this light and knowledge from Dr. Ka'ili. Malo! Thank you! I appreciate that this knowledge could come from BYU-Hawaii.

[@rosapollard5470]

Brother Ka'ili talk gave me much needed and appreciated knowledge of cosmogony and its intersection with ecology. It was delightful to hear his well prepared talk. Thank you.

[@JazzyUnderscoreTrumpeter]

1 Nephi 19:12 And all these things must surely come, saith the prophet Zenos. And the rocks of the earth must rend; and because of the groanings of the earth, many of the kings of the isles of the sea shall be wrought upon by the Spirit of God, to exclaim: The God of nature suffers. This helps me understand that last sentence in particular. I've wondered about it before. I've also lived on islands so I find the mythology and culture interesting. Lived on Saipan for 2.5 years. Thank you for sharing 🤙