By Katherine Kloepping
“Our hope is that through this opportunity we have to share our culture, students and faculty are able to gain a better understanding of who we truly are.”
The Polynesian Heritage Association on campus is about sharing the culture of the Islands with Southern Virginia University.
I am sure you have seen a big group of Polys gathered around each other on campus at one point or another. If you have ever had the chance to get to know them, you will see how big the family value is. This is one of the many focuses of the Polynesian Heritage Association.
I had the chance to talk to Lynette Kennach (’23), the president of the Association to talk about what the club is all about.
What is the reason for the club?
As Polynesians, we are a very family oriented group. The Polynesian Heritage Association allows us to have that family environment while we are all away from home. It is our opportunity to get together and play games, crack jokes, have jam sessions, and so much more.
How did the club start?
We are actually an association. The Polynesian Heritage Association was established before we arrived at Southern Virginia University. There were already a few Polynesian students here that created the Poly club, which then became an Association.
What can the students look forward to from the association?
Most of the activities we plan are just fun games to get everyone together, so there is always that to look forward to. We go to a lot of each others’ sporting events to show our love and support. Normally in the spring is when we try to host a Polynesian culture night for the University. Our club has always been very inclusive.
Anyone and everyone is more than welcome to come out to any activities we have going on and join in on the fun. We post most of our activities on our instagram page.
There is a luau event coming up. When is it, where is it going to be held and what time is it at?
This year we decided to stray a bit from the title “luau.” Traditionally a luau is a party with entertainment and a feast over several hours. Our performance is a lot shorter than a traditional luau and we have not had any traditional feasts in the past and most likely will not have them in the future. We decided it is best to call it a Polynesian Culture Night, seeing as we are sharing bits of our culture with everyone.
We are more than excited for this opportunity to share our culture. It has been a struggle meeting late at night to put in practice time while also being full-time students. However, it has also been a great opportunity for us to learn more about each other’s cultures and to grow in appreciation for each other.
This year we really wanted our Polynesian Culture Night to give more insight on what our culture is about.
What kind of dances can we look forward to?
There is one dance number in the Hawaiian section that the women perform that is a bit political. The song has been used as an anthem for protests that are still occurring in Hawaii that have been ongoing months before COVID began.
There is another dance being performed in the Samoan section, again performed by the women, that speaks on the beauty and grace we carry as women. The men have a Samoan slap dance and an energizing Tongan number that highlights the lighter and happier sides of our culture.
Something new that we have added this year to the Maori section is the poi balls. They have been the most difficult but most rewarding skill our dancers have accomplished. This section is also the most spiritual.
I guarantee everyone will have goosebumps from the raw power and strength the men display from their haka that they have prepared.
What is the hope of Culture Night?
Each island showcases something that makes that island unique. It shows the strength we have as Polynesians, the love we have for each other, our culture and everyone we meet, and the opportunity we have to educate others about the foundation of our beliefs. Our hope is that through this opportunity we have to share our culture, students and faculty are able to gain a better understanding of who we truly are.
Come out to see the Polynesion Culture Night on Friday, April 22 at 8:30 p.m. in the Knight Arena.
If you would like to stay up to date with the poly club, follow them on Instagram @poly_knights.
Southern Virginia University’s Poly Club was originally published in The Herald on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.