Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines how concepts of 'health' become meaningful and embodied aspects of cultural identity among Native Hawaiians. It discusses some of the structural factors that facilitate the violence in Hawaii include the political subordination of Hawaiian medical knowledge and practices and the alienation of Hawaiians from their land, both of which created much of the poverty that many Natives currently experience. The book addresses the historical structural factors related to political subordination and poverty that have constrained indigenous agency. It presents a brief history of health in Hawaii and examines the complexities of conducting research in Hawaii and with Native Hawaiians. The book examines the impact that transformations in access to Hawaiian land and food had on redefining the body. It discusses the centrality of health in the revitalization of cultural identity and as a counter-hegemonic movement.