The Midwest Chapter was created in October 2018 in the State of Missouri.
Mission Statement:
We are an organization that is committed to empowering our Pacific Islander youth by helping them to prepare for and excel at educational opportunities.
- Mentoring students through career and educational guidance
- Providing a community of support for academic excellence and college readiness
- Actively pursue opportunities for scholarship funding for higher education
We hope to instill within our youth a bright hope for their future and for the communities that they live in.
The Midwest Chapter's Virtual Ethnic Festival in Kansas City, 2020 Watch it here.
PRESIDENT Dr. Wendell Fuimaono
VICE PRESIDENT Amy Bird
TRESURER Falepule Tali
SECRETARY Puniloa Yamauchi
COMMUNITY LIAISON Lupe Moe
EMERITUS PRESIDENT/MENTOR Dr. Jonathan Tovey
ADVISOR Tuitoga T. Moe
AMBASSADOR Tunamafata Moe
BUSINESS/SPONSOR Liaison TBA
Contact: Lupe Moe
IslandFest
This Memorial Day weekend, Island Fest 816 brought people together at Independence Square to celebrate the rich traditions of Polynesian culture. As reported by Fox News, this year marked the 23rd annual Island Fest, and it was bigger than ever. The festival moved to a larger space to make room for more visitors, food booths, vendors, and a huge new stage for performances.
The theme of this year's event was "We are Polynesia," which focused on unity and teaching younger generations about their cultural roots. Lupe Moe, a community leader with the National Pacific Islander Education Network, explained why events like this are so important. "We want to teach our youth their heritage because it gives them some kind of identity," Moe told Fox News.
Throughout the day, performers showcased traditional dances and chants from Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand, and other Pacific Islands. Many of the performers were high school students who spent time learning not just the dances, but also the deeper meanings behind them. "It just makes me so happy," Moe said, as she watched the students connect with their culture through music and movement.
Besides the performances, visitors enjoyed island-style food, cultural booths, and local shopping. The festival gave everyone a chance to learn more about Polynesian history and traditions in a fun and welcoming environment. Jeff Rogers, executive director of the Independence Square Association, said the event is one of his favorites. "It's a great time to be out and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend," he told Fox News. "The new location has more space for everything, and it's great to still be right here in our historic downtown." With more than two decades of history, Island Fest 816 continues to grow each year, bringing the community together to celebrate identity, heritage, and pride.
Original reporting by Lexy French, Fox News. Read more at fox4kc.com.
Chrisman High School Courtwarming
