BONUS: Embedding Ancestral Knowledge In Every Scene | Chief of War

BONUS: Embedding Ancestral Knowledge In Every Scene | Chief of War

In this bonus episode, Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with Kaumakaiwa Kanakaʻole to reflect on her journey with Chief of War and the weaving of ancestral knowledge into a global television production. Their talk story honors the depth of hula lineage and mele as living repositories of wisdom, explores the kuleana of grounding costuming, chanting, and ceremony in ʻike kupuna, and lifts up the voices and practices that make Hawaiian worldview visible on screen. Together, they reflect on how carrying forward ancestral lineages of ceremony and expression strengthens the mana of kānaka and ensures that these stories remain rooted, resonant, and real. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar

The Finale is Just the Beginning | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 9

Pa‘a and Producer Brian Keaulana reflect on reshaping the show’s arc, amplifying Hawai‘i’s gifts, and building capacity and community. Their talk story explores kuleana and the balance of authenticity and scale—whether filming with 300 crew across five units, capturing Kalapana as the volcano erupted, or holding ceremony both behind the scenes and in front of the camera—with an effort that extends far beyond the series itself.

Cultivating Groves of New Talent and Possibility | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 8

Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with Mainei Kinimaka. Their talk story explores Mainei’s path into acting, the importance of creating space for Hawai‘i and Pasifika voices, and the kuleana of telling stories with care. They reflect on the weight of portraying historical trauma, the responsibility of nurturing talent, and the power of story to shift perceptions and build community. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar

Spilled Brains and Sharpening Minds | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 7

Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with Kaleikoa Kā‘eo. Their conversation explores the actions of Captain Metcalf, touches on the events at Olowalu, and examines the far-reaching costs and consequences of colonialism. Together, they reflect on the human and environmental toll of greed, and how the pursuit of wealth in ways that are not pono continues to disrupt ʻāina, ea, and community. These impacts are not just historical—they continue to shape our world today. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar

Our Ali‘i Ensuring Abundance Even Through Today | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 6

Pa‘a Sibbett talks story with Dr. Kēhaunani Abad. They explore the chief’s kuleana to ensure abundance for the community, guiding principles like peace and mercy, and how kānāwai like Māmalahoe and Kolowalu continue to shape the way our communities live and care for one another today. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar