Abstract
This essay examines Between the Deep Blue Sea and Me by Lurline Wailana McGregor through a postcolonial lens, focusing on how cultural preservation is influenced by colonial histories and power dynamics. The characters Moana and Lei represent opposing approaches to Indigenous artifacts: institutional display versus cultural sovereignty. The ki‘i becomes a symbol of these tensions, reflecting broader debates about possession and protection. By analyzing the novel alongside museum practices and scholarly critique, the essay argues that true preservation must prioritize Indigenous voices and values. Moana’s journey from academic detachment to cultural responsibility highlights the importance of connection in preserving heritage.
Presenters
Hoolaokealoha Higuchi SimmonsStudent, English, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Oceanic Journeys: Multicultural Approaches in the Humanities
KEYWORDS
Postcolonial, Indigenous, Cultural Preservation, Museums, Hawaiian Identity, Artifacts
