What if Indigenous wisdom, cutting-edge technology, and entrepreneurship could come together to build a more inclusive and sustainable world? That’s exactly what the Eahou Global Immersion Cohort 2025–2026 is setting out to do.
This programme is inviting leaders from across the globe to join a powerful journey of learning, collaboration, and action—both virtually and in person—culminating in a week-long immersion and public festival on Oʻahu next spring.
Tackling the Legacy of Colonization
At its heart, this initiative is about more than just education.
It seeks to directly address the long-lasting impacts of colonization—from economic displacement and food insecurity to the housing challenges many communities still face today.
By placing Indigenous leadership at the center, the cohort emphasizes land stewardship, sustainability, and economic practices that honor community needs and historical justice.
What the Programme Offers
Participants will embark on a place-based learning journey designed to spark collaboration across cultures, sectors, and disciplines.
Through shared learning and hands-on engagement, the experience will focus on:
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Building regenerative systems
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Truth-telling and sovereignty
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Innovation rooted in ancestral knowledge
In other words, it’s about weaving together tradition and modernity to create real, lasting solutions.
Key Details for Applicants
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Application Period: September 10 – October 8, 2025 (early applications are encouraged)
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Age Requirement: 21 years and older
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Eligibility: Open to individuals or representatives from nonprofits, for-profits, cooperatives, and other social enterprises
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Global Representation: At least half of participants must be non-U.S. citizens
Four Categories of Leadership
Those chosen will fall into one of four categories:
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Native Hawaiian community leaders — from cultural practitioners to nonprofit directors and entrepreneurs
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International Indigenous leaders — spanning Oceania, the Global South, and beyond
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Global leaders and changemakers — designers, activists, healers, entrepreneurs, and bold thinkers from diverse fields
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Breakout community leaders — past collaborators, grantees, and partners from the Breakout network
Commitments for Participants
Selected leaders will need to commit to:
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Monthly virtual gatherings between November 2025 and May 2026
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Full participation in the Oʻahu immersion and Eahou Fest from April 27 – May 3, 2026
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Demonstrating support from their communities or institutions
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Integrating the lessons learned into their ongoing work and networks
Who Should Apply
The programme is seeking cultural practitioners, organizers, technologists, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators who are:
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Advancing justice, sovereignty, and innovation
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Leading projects in Indigenous-led climate action, decolonial practices, reparative justice, or ancestral knowledge
Applicants should also have 10+ years of experience in areas such as:
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Aloha ʻĀina and biocultural restoration
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Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
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Cooperatives and circular economies
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Food security and community health
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Housing and land stewardship
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Data sovereignty and technology for social good
Here, “technology” is understood broadly—it could mean digital innovations, physical solutions, or ancestral tools and practices.
Support and Coverage
To make participation possible, the programme covers travel, lodging, and meals.
Applicants should, however, be prepared for any personal or professional expenses not included.
Applications are now open: [Apply for the 2025–2026 Eahou Global Immersion Cohort]