indi geno u s a rts
Grounded in Tradition, Guided by Ancestors Indigenous Business in Uncertain Times
Ha-lau Ka‘eaikahelelani performing a hula kahiko (traditional ancient dance) using the ipu (gourd) at Ki-auea, the active volcano on the island of Hawai’i.
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s we move into these uncertain and rapidly changing times, business owners around the globe are bracing for huge negative economic impacts. Indigenous businesses are not immune to this; in fact, they tend to be more susceptible than their Western counterparts. And unlike in most industries, there does not exist a “best practices business model” for Indigenous businesses to follow and rely on. One of the latest trends we often hear about is businesses reinventing themselves. However, for Indigenous businesses, it is not that easy. Indigenous Peoples are who they are, and have been so for millenia. They do not have the option to “reinvent themselves,” but rather have the opportunity to further ground their businesses in their identity and reinvent the way they interact with others. It is crucial that Indigenous businesses remain flexible, nimble, and adaptive while at the same time being steadfast in their cultural grounding so as not to get caught up and overrun in this crazy business world. By being steadfast in their culture, businesses can withstand the test of time while normalizing cultural mores in their dealings. This is often done by building on their Indigenous worldviews, relying on connections and relationships, and allowing themselves to be guided by a higher power. An example of one such business in Hawai‘i is Hālau Ka‘eaikahelelani. I am grateful that they have agreed to be highlighted in this article and share their path. This is a case study of what works for this organization. It is not a formula for success to be followed blindly, but rather an example that we hope will spark some thought and reflection into your own situation, and allow the answers to come to you. Hālau Ka‘eaikahelelani is known to many as one of a number of Hālau (schools of traditional Hawaiian dance and culture) in Hawai‘i. However, when one takes a deeper dive into
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their world, one’s eyes are opened to so much more. Hālau Ka‘eaikahelelani was founded in 2015 by Kumu Hula (Hula Instructor) sisters Yuki Ka‘ea Lyons and Lily Kahelelani Lyons. Both sisters come from a lineage of hula and have been dancing their entire lives. They both graduated under the guidance of master Kumu Hula Nani Lim Yap of Hālau Nā Lei ‘o Ka Holokū. Prior to starting their own Hālau, they both had prominent careers of service through the Hawaiian culture. Ka‘ea is a certified Hawaiian Language Immersion teacher and has taught through ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language) at the Pūnana Leo o Kona preschool, and at ‘Ehunuikaimalino, a K-12 public Hawaiian Immersion School on the West side of Hawai‘i island. She is also a prominent FM radio personality who is known for promoting Hawaiian language and culture on the airwaves to encourage all island residents to honor and respect the host culture of Hawai‘i nei, and teaches Hawaiian Lifestyles at the Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui Campus. Kahelelani is a Hawaiian cultural resource professional and has worked in the visitor industry to strengthen and develop authentic native Hawaiian experiences while ensuring that the industry also gives back to the community in meaningful and culturally appropriate ways. Why move from already successful careers to start a venture as Kumu Hula of a new Hālau? In speaking with the sisters, it is readily evident that hula changed their lives. It enhanced their cultural perspectives, grounded them in tradition, and catalyzed their desire to serve their people in a way that reflects the values of their ancestors. As this ‘ike (knowledge) was shared with them from their Kumu Hula, mentors, and family members, so is their desire to share it with others. Any Kumu Hula will tell you that running a Hālau is not a lucrative business venture. Tuition in and of itself rarely covers the overhead of running the business. Kumu, as a necessity, have to be inventive and diversify. Some host concerts and do shows for tourists. Some hold workshops and have sister All photos by Dino Morrow Photography.
