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Te Pū Fenua is the thousand year old Polynesian tradition of burying the placenta upon a child's birth, continuing our eternal relationship between our people and Te Mama Fenua, Mother Earth. A rite that had survived attempted erasure by colonizers. Too often women, their bodies, and the creation of their bodies, are deemed vile & sinful, biohazard and lesser than. Many mothers have fought for decades to revive the rite to carry home with them the incredible creation that had come from their own body and had protected their babies before birth - their placenta - so that it may be buried in their homeland, in the fenua, beneath a tumu, or with the moana, by whatever means to connect their children to the land that raised their tūpuna. I lift my hands to these metua vahine who have paved the way that one day I may also take part in te pū fenua, and my child may know the roots of their ancestors. Māuruuru mai tō'u mafatu te mau metua vahine! 4th place ages 25-34 As the incredible Ra'atira Tiana Liufau explains a dancer should be, have the grace of Hina and the power of 'Oro! Ua te'ote'o roa vau ia 'oe e Pūpahu! Your dedication and love and commitment is the soul of Huraiti Mana! On to the next!
Save our Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in Washington State! So proud of our Huraiti who have worked so hard throughout quarantine, with 100% of practices unfortunately via zoom. We have had only virtual classes for the past 7 months since the loss of our studio due to COVID measures taken by building management as well as huraiti's joint efforts & conscious choice to minimize the spread of this deadly illness. Across Washington, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders continue to have the highest contraction and highest death rate due to COVID - more than any other ethnic group and by extremely high margins. Though we long to be together, myself side by side with my Tamari'i, we are proud to continue our part, in what little steps or big we can take, in saving our people.
We are proud to participate in an event advocating for the same, remaining socially distant but culturally close. Opportunities such as these throughout 2020 has been unprecedented and invaluable in keeping our spirits high, our goals aligned, our bodies moving, and our ā'au fulfilled. Māuruuru from the bottom of our hearts. E fa'aitoito! Huraiti Mana is honored to have been invited to celebrate in the annual Duwamish Tribe Celebration and Gala, lifting up our Indigenous peoples on this, the second Monday in October, Indigenous Peoples' Day. We lift up our hands most especially to our Duwamish hoa hānau who, though they have lived in these lands known now as the Pacific Northwest since time immemorial, have and still continue to steward this land, and see the city named after Duwamish leader, Chief Seattle prosper and flourish - remain unacknowledged by federal, state, and local governments as a people and nation. The 1855 Treaty signed for healthcare, fishing rights, and education has still not been honored. Duwamish succeeded in receiving federal recognition in 2001 only to have it viciously revoked by the Bush Administration immediately following.
This is a history not taught in schools. Erasure of Indigenous Peoples is still happening the world over. It is our kuleana to end cultural genocide and erasure. It is our kuleana to pay Real Rent Duwamish and support the peoples of this land. It is our kuleana that "ethnic studies" be adopted as "American History" for our haumāna. Sharing oli, hula, and mahalo in the beautiful Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, we make this pledge. As indigenous peoples, we stand in solidarity, we join Real Rent, we remember who we are. "He Hawai'i Au" by Ho'okena. I am Hawaiian. Hula mele by Aunty Makalapua and the late Aunty Mili of Hālau Hula 'O Mililani of Wai'anae, O'ahu. Video by: Kitman In Hawai'i, in 1971, the second Monday of October was changed from Columbus Day to "Discoverer's Day" said to include Polynesian discoverers, navigators and vast sea voyagers - however, in its name, it honors "all" considered discoverers. The move for Indigenous People's day, backed by Native Hawaiians against the history of Hawaiian dispossession, exploitation and enslavement at the hands of Captain Cook, never made it to the ballot for the people to vote, its last attempt in 2014. It is our kuleana. It is time.  Mahalo nui loa mai ko mākou mau pu'uwai e Ida Culver House 'ohana! Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts to Ida Culver House! We sincerely enjoyed this opportunity to perform and share our hula, ourselves, my Kaikua'ana, my sister and I while keeping our communities safe. This was as much a healing experience for ourselves as it was for our elders from the tops of their balconies or through glass windows. E mālama pono - take the utmost care our kūpuna!
To our fēti'i, our 'ohana, our family: Our Fa'a'ori 2020 has been cancelled as we continue to monitor closely the effects of the pandemic across our communities. Awfully so, studies have shown that COVID19 infection rates are highest among Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian populations in Washington, Oregon, and California. While we are saddened by the cancellation of our event, we make the decision proudly and without doubt in order to best serve our people and our communities of Pacific Islanders and the greater Seattle area. Reminisce with us at last year's First Annual Fa'a'ori and the beautiful moments shared, the tears, the laughs, the 'ori 'ori! We continue, we remain resilient, we send our love.
Much mahalo to Hulala Living and 'Ori 'Ori Lympics for creating competition and community in a time when we thought we'd be left without both; a year full of what was at first full-stops and isolation has become a year of fulfilling change and collective connection (in many more ways than one!). We at Huraiti Mana have so gladly been a part of 'Ori 'Ori Lympic online and the very many workshops that have led us to learn and grow from the leaders in our 'Ori Community as well as reconnect with FÄ“ti'i around the world and our collective aroha for the 'Ori Tahiti. Truly, mÄuruuru to Hulala Living and judges Tahia Cambet of O Tahiti Nui and Hinatea Colombani of Ari'oi Cultural Center for your kindness, warmth & 'ite.
We at Huraiti Mana extend our sincerest gratitude to Nemenzo for creating the first virtual Heiva i San Francisco 2020 with esteemed judges Matatini Mou (Best Female Dancer, Heiva i Tahiti 2019), Tiana Liufau (Director of Nonosina), and Hinatea Colombani of The Ari'oi Cultural Center of Tahiti! The event was filled with love for and celebration of a beautiful legacy, culture, history, tradition, and people! Some for their first time, we entered 3 of our huraiti! And we are so warmed and humbled to receive 2nd in Premier 26-35yrs and 1st in the unique Hō'ē Tu'ura'a 'Āvae challenge! Māuruuru for providing us this opportunity of challenge & growth as well as resilience of culture in these times. So much cultural connectivity in this 'ori Tahiti community while we are physically apart. Above: Tumu parau: Kalei'okalani was inspired by poet and defender of culture Patrick Araia Amaru and his poem titled "Te Hiro'a e te Iho Tumu," Culture and Identity. Kalei'okalani searches for her culture and origins, calling upon the fenua, the tupuna, the atua, grasping for any 'ite, any knowledge of the past. And through this search for identity, she discovers that her lineage lives within her, her sacred ā'au. The above was a unique and innovative Tu'ura'a Hō'ē 'Āvae challenge as a part of Heiva i San Francisco! The Tāmau and the Fa'arapu are the two core basics of which all other tu'ura'a are extensions and variations. Tāmau means consistently or constantly and is the core of 'āfata, 'amaha, tā'iri toma (toma toma, tā'iri piti), etc. Fa'arapu, meaning to mix or stir, is your core for tūmami, tāhapeape, and other circular motions. We chose Tāmau. Steps included: tā'iri, 'āfata, 'amaha, hue, toma toma (teki, raro), 'ōtamu, tatu'e Tumu parau: Kalei'okalani is a survivor of sexual assault and likens her story, and the story of far too many, to that of the tumu, the tree or source. She admires the tumu for its strength and life-giving property, its growth and its beauty. And though a tree's body may be cut, maimed, and nearly destroyed, she wills the power to grow again, her far-reaching branches extended to the skies.
Heiva i San Francisco was our first virtual competition! Katie entered with an 'ōte'a dedicated to te va'a, the voyaging canoe, and the travels of Polynesians across the Pacific. Krystine's tumu parau (source/theme) was nehenehe, or Vahine Purotu, the beauty of women. 'Ua te'ote'o tātou ia 'ōrua! Māuruuru again to all who joined in our fundraising efforts for Dance Against Discrimination with Huraiti Mana that took place July 13, 2020, virtually. So appreciative and honored to have shared space and time with all of you.
Together in our combined efforts of generosity and love have raised OVER $900 for Black Women's Blueprint! And donations were also made to The Okra Project. We almost doubled our original goal of $500! Manuia! May we continue, together, in serving our underrepresented, marginalized, and targeted communities. Huraiti Mana for Black Lives Matter. All who have joined us are welcomed as our 'ori sisters, 'ori brothers, 'ori siblings & fēti'i. For Huraiti Mana, once we dance together, we our 'ori family, always. Huraiti Mana welcomes you, thanks you, lifts our hands up to you. E fa'aitoito! Centering: A reminder of why we’re here. Source for Black Women’s Blueprint honoring Black Women lost to violence WE CONTINUE TO SAY HER NAME
May these women and too many more, rest in love, in peace, in eternal remembrance. May no further women ever suffer what these women have suffered. May no further young girls ever have to face the world with fear. May we end violence against Black women and girls, today, now, and forevermore.
All classes are held online via the free ZOOM app.
Mondays 6:30-7:30PM Tu'ura'a - Basics (all ages)
Wednesday 5:30-6:30PM Tama (5-11yrs)
Wednesday 6:30-7:30PM Pa'ari (12+yrs)
Friday 6:00 - 7:00PM Itoito - 'Ori Tahiti Solo Choreo & Freestyle (All Ages)
Our classes are very welcoming as a place of passionate work, much laughter, and shared stories. Come every Wednesday and give yourself time to learn the basic steps, our practice routine, and the language. E ha'amana ma'atou! Questions? Email [email protected] 'Ia ora na! I am Kalei'okalani Matsui, Ra'atira a Ha'api'i of Huraiti Mana, our Polynesian Dance Troupe based in Seattle, WA. Leaders in the 'ori community, Leolani Gallardo and Christine Apa from Pupu 'Ori Te Aho Nui (based in California) began Dance Against Discrimination, a movement encouraging dance instructors to host donation-based virtual classes to raise funds for organizations lifting up Black lives. As a survivor myself of sexual violence, a daughter of a strong Black woman, and a mana vahine seeking to create a greater difference in this world for women, I chose an organization empowering Black Women and survivors of sexual assault. My initial search led me to the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, which listed Black Women's Blueprint as a culturally specific resource.
Join Huraiti Mana as we raise funds to support Black Women's Blueprint (BWB), an organization that fights to end sexual violence against Black Women and Girls. BWB's purpose is to take action to secure social, political and economic equality for Every Black Woman in American Society now. Event: 'Ori Tahiti workshop Date: Monday, July 13, 2020 Time: 6:00 - 7:30PM PDT How-to Register Online
You MUST register by 7/13/20 at 4pm PDT to ensure you receive the zoom info before class! Link in bio! (If you don't have a gmail address, please email us [email protected]) *To donate to Black Women's Blueprint:
You may also support another activist organization of your choice that is actively fighting racism or a nonprofit that is supporting Black lives If you have any issues with this form please DM @huraitimana on Instagram. Remember, you do not have to participate in the dance workshop itself, but we would love to have you participate in raising funds together, for the cause! Also, I will be able to send a link of the class recording so you can participate later! Fa'aitoito! |
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