11/10/2025
Fa’afetai tele lava, mahalo, Malo E Lelei , thank you all so much for being here last night. Your presence means the world to us , you’ve made these kids’ hearts full and happy. We love seeing our community come together to celebrate Samoa, Hawai‘i, and Tonga and especially to honor our amazing Talavou Pacific Arts Dance Academy!
Talavou students, hold on tight to your culture. Never forget who you are and where you come from. Stay in school, stay out of trouble… or else Auntie Claire will show up at your school! (You know I will!) Do your chores, respect your parents, love your parents, and love the people who love you back, including me!
Our performers, thank you for sharing your beautiful dance performance at our event. Your talent, energy, and passion brought so much life and joy to the occasion, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. We truly appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to making your performance so captivating. Thank you for being part of our celebration and helping make it such a memorable success.
A huge shoutout to all our sponsors and supporters throughout the year: thank you for believing in us.
To the 🤎S&J Polynesian Treasures, LLC for the beautiful attire for the kids. We love and appreciate your help. 🤎 Kham, thank you for your time and help in printing our TShirts and sweaters.. 🤎4J District, North Eugene High School, and 🤎Guy Lee Elementary, thank you for always inviting our Talavou to showcase our *Siva Samoa*. 🤎Mary Putuga for your endless donation and materials for the children's. We love you.
🤎Lane County and Miss Shay , thank you for calling us last minute and trusting us to bring the island spirit to your event. 🤎 Natia o le Pasefika, thank you for sharing the stage with us and collaboration.
🤎University of Oregon and Mrs. Leilua , thank you for reaching out and allowing us to teach Siva Samoa to your Pacific Islander students for their annual Luau.
🤎Halau O Nā Pua O Hawai‘i Nei and **Kumu Akiko**, we appreciate your beautiful invitation to your Ho‘ike and for being here last night.
🤎Marcus Mariota and the Motivation Foundation thank you for your donation and inviting us to celebrate your inspiring work.
And to the 🤎Oregon Aloha Festival, thank you for your donation and your ongoing love and support, for always creating a safe, fun, and welcoming space for our Pacific Island community here in Lane County.
A special thank you to 🤎Platform 360 Studio for generously sharing your space with us and allowing us to teach indoors this year. Your support has made such a difference, and we truly appreciate your kindness and collaboration. Thank you for helping us continue to grow and create together. 🤎The Royals Samoan BBQ for your donation and for partnering with us for the first time together serving delicious refreshment to our event, and to 🤎Market of Choice, 🤎Souper Bowl, 🤎Oregon Aloha Festival, and 🤎Vitolina Yandall Atuatasi for donating raffle items. Your generosity keeps our Academy thriving.
Last night marks our Talavou first finale show of the year , and what a year it’s been. This is what we mean when we say, "It takes a village." Samoa is all about the village, we love, respect, and care for one another, no matter what.
I love my Samoan culture. I love sharing our traditions and passing them on to the next generation. I love my Talavou students, they are the reason I keep dancing. They always say, “Auntie, don’t stop!”and I won’t!
From the bottom of my heart, and from my incredible team behind the scenes who keep this needle moving thank you. God bless you all. Have a wonderful holiday, season with your families and friends.
Fa’afetai tele lava , and see you all next year!
Love,
Auntie Claire🥹❤️
