Kanu o ka 'Äina New Century Public Charter School is a community-based, bi-lingual (Hawaiian/English), kindergarten through twelfth-grade, Hawaiian-focused school. It is located in rural Waimea in the Kohala District in the north of Hawaii Island (the largest and southern-most island of the Hawaiian chain). 

"Kanu o ka 'äina" is a Hawaiian phrase meaning "natives of the land from generations back." The one hundred fifty students of Kanu o ka 'Äina... perpetuate Hawaiian language and culture by practicing native traditions such as kalo (taro) cultivation, outrigger-canoe sailing, and traditional Hawaiian protocol. 

Students of the school participate in project-based inquiry and scientific research efforts including assisting Bernice P. Bishop Museum scientists with a stream-restoration study in nearby Waipi'o Valley. Students demonstrate their learning by presenting an annual hula drama for their community and by generating Hawaiian-focused educational products including CDs, websites, and publications. 

The Fish and Their Gifts/Nä Makana a Nä 'Ia is just such a student-created product. Written and illustrated by ten middle and high-school students, this book is the result of an interdisciplinary book-publishing project integrating English language Arts, Fine Arts, Hawaiian language, Hawaiian Studies, and Science and Technology. 

The students of Kanu o ka 'Äina... are proud to share their creation with readers near and far and hope that it will inspire other students to publish their own stories. For more information visit Kanu o ka 'Äina... at www.kalo.org.