Helu family launches new cultural group in Australia [1]
Friday, November 18, 2011 - 13:03. Updated on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 09:54.
The Futa Helu Performing Arts and Culture Inc. was officially launched by the Mayor of Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia, Mr Khal Asfour, on November 12 at the Bankstown Arts Centre Theatre.
Members performed traditional Tongan dances, classical music and choir singing. The group has 40 members, ranging in ages from 6 to 24 years old, who have been studying Tongan dancing, music, and language, in classes offered by the association since August.
FHPAC Inc. was formed by Sisi'uno Helu, the eldest daughter of the late Professor Futa Helu, with the assistance of Melissa Baleilekutu Malu, a former broadcaster. Both are former students of 'Atenisi.
The organization honours the late Professor Futa Helu, the founder of the 'Atenisi Institute, "who was an advocator for Tongan culture, performing arts and education.".
The Futa Helu Performing Arts and Culture Inc. is a non-profit organisation that aims to work with and for the Australian Tongan Community, focusing on the young people. In a statement, the organization said that its purpose is to preserve, promote, and perform its distinct Tongan heritage and culture in the areas of education and arts. It valued sharing and respecting one another, as an individual, as kainga (kinsmen), and as a community. It's motto is, "Ke maanava e uho a hoku tukufakaholo" or
"Breath the essence of my culture".
At the launch the associations new logo was unveiled. It features a man blowing the fangufangu, or the nose flute; along with elements of ngatu, and the Maile leaves.