Edith Kanaka’ole becomes the first Native Hawaiian woman featured on a U.S. quarter.
Historic milestone: The Edith Kanakaʻole Quarter is the seventh coin in the American Women Quarters Program and honors pioneering women who impact U.S. history.
* The U.S. Mint began shipping the new quarters on March 27.
* A celebration of the quarter’s release took place in Hilo, Hawaii on May 6.
Cultural significance: Edith Kanaka’ole played a key role in the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance of the 1970s, reviving the Hawaiian language, hula, and chant.
* Born in 1913 and known as “Aunty Edith,” she passed away in 1979 at age 65.
* Her work in cultural preservation and environmental conservation made her a role model for many Hawaiians.
Legacy continues: Edith’s teachings still inspire students and many of her chants are still recited today.
* The new quarter also features an inscription of the words “E hō mai ka ʻike” from a chant taught by Edith Kanaka’ole.
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