Amplifying Indigenous Wellbeing: ‘Imi Pono Survey Development and Validation

Authors

Brandon C. Ledward, Kamehameha SchoolsFollow
Wendy Kekahio, Kamehameha SchoolsFollow
Pālama Lee, Lili‘uokalani TrustFollow
Katherine Tibbetts, Liliʻuokalani TrustFollow
Carla Hostetter, Office of Hawaiian AffairsFollow
Lisa Watkins-VictorinoFollow
Trudy Cherasaro, Marzano ResearchFollow
Steven TedeschiFollow
Carrie Germeroth, Marzano ResearchFollow

Abstract

The growth of indigenous research methodologies and calls for data sovereignty are reshaping the discourse around evidence-based policymaking. This article summarizes the development and validation of the ‘Imi Pono Hawai‘i Wellbeing Survey, which examines wellbeing from indigenous, holistic, and strengths-based perspectives. The survey is anchored to a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) model of wellbeing created through a community-participatory process involving diverse stakeholders. Early results show Native Hawaiians to be major contributors to Hawai‘i’s wellbeing, consistently reporting higher rates than non-Hawaiians for civic engagement, family relationships, and spirituality, as well as connections to culture, ‘āina, and community. This project informs strategic planning, reporting, and advocacy efforts among research partners who are committed to assessing and improving Kanaka Maoli wellbeing.

Recommended Citation

Ledward, Brandon C.; Kekahio, Wendy; Lee, Pālama; Tibbetts, Katherine; Hostetter, Carla; Watkins-Victorino, Lisa; Cherasaro, Trudy; Tedeschi, Steven; and Germeroth, Carrie (2025) "Amplifying Indigenous Wellbeing: ‘Imi Pono Survey Development and Validation," Journal of Indigenous Research: Vol. 13: Iss. 2025, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol13/iss2025/1