Mapuana Antonio, an Associate Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, recently received two awards from the American Public Health Association (APHA) for her significant contributions to Native Hawaiian health and climate justice.
Antonio stands out for her dedication to weaving Indigenous knowledge into public health. She works closely with students, teaching them to conduct research that respects both the land (ʻāina) and Native Hawaiian culture. Her approach highlights the importance of cultural roots in understanding health.
“These awards reflect the hard work of our students and communities,” Antonio shared. “Indigenous knowledge shapes our solutions for health and climate. I’m inspired by our students who carry this mission forward with a deep respect for their communities.”
In addition to her other roles, Antonio is the Queen Liliʻuokalani Endowed Professor in Native Hawaiian Culture. She won the APHA’s Emerging Leaders Award from the Integrative, Complementary and Traditional Health Practices (ICTHP) section for her focus on health equity.
Nominators praised Antonio’s work, stating, “She embodies the spirit of Native Hawaiian Indigenous health. Her efforts in health equity resonate strongly within Native Hawaiian communities and Indigenous peoples across the globe.” They noted how she combines traditional knowledge with modern scientific research to foster health and resilience.
Antonio also received the Student Champions for Climate Justice Award. She guided a diverse group of students, including Melissa Kahili-Heede and Caleb Rivera, in organizing the Climate Justice Through Indigenous Knowledge Symposium in October 2025. This event allowed scholars to discuss environmental sustainability through traditional practices.
Recent studies indicate a growing trend towards recognizing Indigenous knowledge in public health. According to research published in the *American Journal of Public Health*, integrating Indigenous practices can lead to better health outcomes within communities. This highlights how leaders like Antonio are not just advocates; they are trailblazers in a crucial movement for health justice.
As discussions around climate change and health equity continue to evolve, initiatives like Antonio’s serve as an essential reminder of the power of cultural knowledge in shaping a sustainable future.
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