A social biography of a Nakemista: An exploration of an Ilokano critical race feminism, pedagogy and transformative praxis

Abstract

This dissertation study explores an Ilokano critical race feminist theory to ground a pedagogy, methodology and transformative praxis, each designed to meet a growing need for an appropriate theoretical framework for Ilokano women in the Hawaiʻi diaspora. Nakemista Critical Race theory is born from the intricate weaving together of the transformative elements of Peminism and Pinayism theories (Filipina-American critical race feminist theories) and the Ilokano and Amianan Studies Nakem movement. Birthed by an international collective of Ilokano intellectuals, the international Nakem movement is an intellectual, social and political movement for the education of Ilokano and indigenous peoples of the Amianan (northern Philippines). In Hawaiʻi, the movement is significant in its fight for Ilokano language and cultural revitalization, as well as for its fight for soul (nakem) consciousness-raising among Ilokano-descended students at UH Mānoa and throughout Hawaiʻi. In the spirit of Peminism and Pinayism, guided by the Ilokano nakem (consciencism) and using the method of social biography, the author pursues the goals for NakemCrit: (1) carve out a space within Filipina-American critical race theory for the Hawaiʻi Ilokano diaspora, providing theoretical foundation for pedagogy and praxis; (2) to bring a gender analysis to the Ilokano consciousness-raising Nakem movement; (3) to unearth contributions and the role of the Ilokano woman throughout the history and in the present day of the Hawaiʻi Ilokano diaspora, setting the stage for a feminist future where Ilokano women are seen, valued and supported as transformative members of the community. Lastly, the author makes an attempt at nakemista praxis by applying nakemista pedagogy in the community for the purpose of transformation. v