Typical duration

Depends. It could be 30 minutes to 2 hours. We will discuss an outline days before the interview, so any modifications can be made at that time. A typical interview takes 15-30 minutes to setup equipment depending on where we are recording, 30-45minutes of actual interview time, and another 15minutes to say goodbye. 

Stuff we need from you

The Story Idea form to schedule a story recording will request Submitters name, person to be recorded, Point of Contact (email address and phone number), story name, short description of topic, signed Media Release form and preferred date and time to record/interview. The form to Upload Information will request Story Title, Storyteller Name, Interviewer Name, Date Recorded, Story Description, Language, audio mp3 file info, image, photo credit, favorite quote during interview, Location (latitude, longitude), Sponsor name, social media hashtags and name, Resources, and Translator.

Typical stories on our platform

The types of stories range from stories of gods and goddesses (i.e. Nanaue the Shark Man) individual experiences on mauna kea (i.e. Aliʻi Paul K. Neves on King Kamehameha Royal Order 1), history of cultural practices (i.e. History of Hoe Wa’a and Na Wahine o Ke Kai), native languages (i.e. Cree Language Revival), monarchy lives (i.e. Queen Liliʻuokalani at Washington Place), native people living in the diaspora (i.e. Mana Wahine and Lua). The common thread throughout these stories is indigenous people and their connection to their land, native culture, and love for their people. We are looking for people with a connection to the story, such as:

• Stories from the archives that are close to the primary source.
• Stories or practices from Practitioners with a lineage
• Anyone personally close to the story, either from their research or personal connection.
• Caretakers of that specific place

Protocol

It is important that we are always trying to do the right thing.  If for some reason a project becomes difficult, hazardous or debatable, it should be respectfully retired, awaiting the right time, place, or person to continue with the project.  

Decide if the story is pono, respectful, and honest. 

1. Do we have your permission to publish the story for the public to hear?
2. Who authored the original story?
3. What place(s) are mentioned in the story and how are they recognized today?
4. What culture or ethnicity is recognized in the story?
5. Who is mentioned in the story, whether a person, people, idol, entity, or identity?
6. Were you given the responsibility for sharing this story? How and Why?
7. Should this story be limited from potential listeners in any way?
8. Are you aware of any copyrights, trademarks, appropriations, or ownerships attributed to this story?
9. Verify they are a true practitioner and/or can speak on behalf of the community they are representing.
10.  No talking bad about others, although facts are allowed.
11. No talking outside of the topic area unless its applicable

At the start of each day of recording, or recording session perform an opening circle:

1. Ask our kupuna for guidance by reciting Na Aumakua or similar
2. Ask for permission from the stories origination to share the story on our app, online, on the radio, tv, and other forms of public communication.
3. Ask for permission to recognize specific  people, places, or identities on our app and on our website
4. Ask for forgiveness from anyone, place or entity that may be misrepresented, announce that our intentions are good, respectful, and come with Aloha.
5. Ask Akua for protection from any harm that may come to listeners, authors, scriptors, developers, editors, or persons involved with the project.  
6. Thank the persons, people, or places that are mentioned for allowing us to share
7. Thank our kupuna for their guidance and responsibility to carry on our oral tradition of storytelling
8. Thank Akua for his protection over all

At the end of each session perform a closing circle:

1. Ask each participant how they feel about the work that was performed that day
2. Thank every individual for their work, knowledge and contributions
3. Recite Oli Mahalo, or similar