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In this episode, we chat with Cindy Texeira, Librarian at Windward Community College, and Sarah Gilman Sur, Head Librarian at Windward Community College in Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi, part of the University of Hawaiʻi system.

Together, they have been working to make the library a space where Native Hawaiian students feel a true sense of belonging. This work includes collaboration with Cindy’s daughters, Kainani and ʻAulani Wagner, both students in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Library and Information Science program, to develop a plan for indigenizing the library space at Hale Laʻakea Library at Windward Community College.

Listen as they share how this work began, the wins and challenges along the way, and what the future holds for the Hale Laʻakea Library at WCC. It’s an inspiring conversation, and we hope it resonates with you as much as it did with us.

Hosts: Joan Vigil & LaRee Dominguez

Date of recording: January 9, 2026

Mentioned in this episode:

Ice Breaker Books...

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Articles...

• Ea in the stacks: Indigenizing library spaces at Hale Laʻakea | University of Hawaiʻi System News
• E Naʻauao Pū, E Noiʻi Pū, E Noelo Pū: Research Support for Hawaiian Studies

Indigenizing Spaces via…

• Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea and Ka Malu 'Ulu o Lele Activation Exhibits
• Keiki Reading Day
• Kānaka O Ke Kai Author/Speaker Series
• Lumi ‘Ohana

Language, Dictionaries & Classifications...

• ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
• Wehe Wiki Hawaiian Language Dictionaries
• S3, E4: Maawn Doobiigeng Classification System w/Anne Heidemann & Melissa Isaac

Clubs & Organizations...

• Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club
• Kanaeokana
• Harold K.L. Castle Foundation

Historical Figures...

• Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani

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In this episode, part 2 of 2, our hosts welcome ILLUMINATION collection team members Irene Rasheed and Megan England about their unique roles on their project teams. They explore how shared community identity and relationships, built on trust, impacted their work and the stories that were shared and what influence this has on how communities interact with libraries and museums.

Listen to Part 1 here.

ILLUMINATION is a history and story collection project started by Madeline McGraw and Mindy Linder to actively work to address representation in its collection, recognizing that museum institutions have historically used gatekeeping and erasure in collection practices.

Through ILLUMINATION, the museum’s intention is to lead with transparency and accountability, to build relationships and trust with members of the community who have been left out of the historical narrative. The goal is for the Springfield History Museum to offer a more inclusive representation of all the people who have both shaped and been shaped by Springfield and rural east Lane County. For these people to be empowered as stewards of their own stories, and to entrust the Springfield History Museum with the preservation, documentation, interpretation and display of their stories through exhibits, archives and digital collections.

The culminating works from this project will all become part of the Springfield History Museum archive, available to the public. Selected images and narratives will also become part of the permanent heritage exhibit on display at the museum.

Hosts: Kristen Curé & Mindy Linder (guest host)

Date of recording: December 11, 2025

Mentioned in this episode:

ILLUMINATION virtual exhibit

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In this episode, part 1 of 2, our hosts welcome ILLUMINATION collection team members Ofelia Guzman and Thomas Hiura to discuss their experiences with the project, the impact they’ve seen from this work and what they’d like to see in the future.

ILLUMINATION is a history and story collection project started by Madeline McGraw and Mindy Linder to actively work to address representation in its collection, recognizing that museum institutions have historically used gatekeeping and erasure in collection practices.

Through ILLUMINATION, the museum’s intention is to lead with transparency and accountability, to build relationships and trust with members of the community who have been left out of the historical narrative. The goal is for the Springfield History Museum to offer a more inclusive representation of all the people who have both shaped and been shaped by Springfield and rural east Lane County. For these people to be empowered as stewards of their own stories, and to entrust the Springfield History Museum with the preservation, documentation, interpretation and display of their stories through exhibits, archives and digital collections.

The culminating works from this project will all become part of the Springfield History Museum archive, available to the public. Selected images and narratives will also become part of the permanent heritage exhibit on display at the museum.

Hosts: Kristen Curé & Mindy Linder (guest host)

Date of recording: October 27, 2025

Mentioned in this episode:

ILLUMINATION virtual exhibit