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| Na wa`a visiting na kupuna and the community out at Iosepa |
This past Saturday saw Kalea participating in the festivities at Iosepa. A few months ago, the Kalea board members came up with the idea to take the canoes down to Iosepa, wanting to share them with our community, and Uncle Mike Tejada was absolutely awesome in making that happen. In his words, "The kupuna must be so happy to see these wa'a. They're probably saying "Right on Filipino boy, bringing the wa'a to us to see." So funny. But it was humbling for us to do just that. To have our wa'a in the presence of the kupuna who reside out there at Iosepa was a special thing for us. To be able to share our efforts with them, and our community was amazing. People of all ages were excited to see them, for a lot of the younger ones, it was their very first time ever seeing an outrigger racing canoe. To be a part of that excitement, being instrumental in showing the younger ones a vibrant part of their culture was incredible. Mahalo to Uncle Mike and the Kalea members who were there, Mahalo nunui to the Iosepa Association, especially Aunty Pat Kamai for encouraging and allowing us to share these canoes with our community.
You'll notice, we've been using the plural form, canoes vs. canoe. That's because Uncle Mike (the guy is amazing!) has completed repairs on the second canoe and she is almost ready for the water. Almost, because as is traditional and appropriate, some cultural protocols need to be performed prior to her entering the water. "She" is "Naulu", the newest addition to Kalea. Her name was given by Tina Cabiles-Carden, and here is some mana'o behind the name:
"Naulu is a wind, clouds, a rain. As a wind, it bears forth the Naulu clouds, which hold the Naulu rain. Naulu resides on the island of Niihau, where the drenching rain permeates the aina, encouraging, calling forth growth. Naulu resides on the island of Maui, on the eastern slope of Haleakala, where it reaches forth to Kahoolawe, and bringing healing, rejuvenating, life giving sustenance to the soil there, encouraging luxuriant growth and renewal. Naulu resides on the island of Hawaii. In Kawaihae, where the sudden showers are a blessing, bringing relief from the heat.
Naulu now also resides here. In Utah. With us, within our community. A vessel that encourages growth and the continuation of our culture. Naulu compels us to embrace our community and assist in its growth and participate in its renewal. It is a pathway for that which is ancient to reach across and embrace the younger generations. Naulu provides soothing relief and healing to those of us who are longing for home. Eia `o Naulu..."
