We are excited to announce an upcoming virtual talk by Dr. Melemaikalani Moniz focusing on the Abundant Soils Project!
The Abundant Soils project examines the intersection of Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) knowledge systems, western soil science, and artificial intelligence to advance environmental justice in Hawaiʻi. The project seeks to reimagine artificial intelligence through ʻŌiwi worldviews, challenging colonial frameworks and ensuring the ethical integration of community-driven technologies that center ʻŌiwi and promote equity.
Dr. Melemaikalani Moniz is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Indigenous Innovation in Communities & Climate Readiness, funded by Ka Hawai‘i Pae ‘Āina Pod of Abundant Intelligences, located at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, she is currently leading the Abundant Soils Project, which aims to cultivate factual AI systems grounded in care, abundance, and cultural relevance, honoring all within our spiritual universe.
This is a virtual event that requires registration – please use the following link to register: https://concordia-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/5Y35r-r8T7aj8vPHSrKVkA
Once you have registered, you’ll receive a link via email to add the event to your calendar.
Event date and time based on time zone:
Thursday, February 5, 2026
10:00 – 11:15 AM HST
12:00 – 1:15 PM PST
1:00 – 2:15 PM MST
2:00 – 3:15 PM CST
3:00 – 4:15 PM EST
Friday, February 6, 2026
9:00 – 10:15 AM NZDT
We look forward to your attendance!
Event
Impact
Conference / panel
Speakers:
Melemaikalani Moniz
Date:
2026-02-05
Location:
Canada
Featured People
Melemaikalani Moniz
Dr. Melemaikalani “Mele” Moniz is a Kanaka ʻŌiwi born and raised under the malu of Ko’olaupoko on the windward side of O‘ahu, with family lines that come from Moku o Keawe, Nā Hono A‘o Pi‘ilani, and Moloka‘i nui a Hina. She earned a BA in English from Marist College, a JD from the Catholic University, an LLM in Environmental and Natural Resources Law from the University of Oregon, and an SJD in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy from the University of Arizona. During her JD program, Mele assisted the Honorable Edward H. Kubo, Jr. in the First Circuit Court of Hawai‘i, clerked with the Family Law Unit of the Legal Aid Society, and completed an externship at the Hawai‘i Immigrant Justice Center. She also served as a First Amendment Fellow at the Freedom Forum (formerly the First Amendment Center) in Washington, D.C. After graduation, Mele clerked for the Honorable Joseph E. Cardoza and the Honorable Kelsey T. Kawano in the Second Circuit Court of Hawai‘i, worked as a Legislative Aide to Senator Laura Clint Acasio, and held a Teaching Fellowship at the University of Arizona. She subsequently served as a Trustee Aide to Trustee Dan Ahuna at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Mele is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in Indigenous Innovation in Communities & Climate Readiness with Abundant Intelligences, an Indigenous-led program advancing Artificial Intelligence grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems.