Joan Sniffen Lindsey

By the time we met her in 2004, Auntie Joanie had been involved with hula for 60 years. She was so well-known and dearly loved. We felt honored to enter her orbit! In the beginning, Auntie invited us to come and document her activities at class sessions, rehearsals, and public performances with her hālau. Watching her in action, it was clear this Kumu was strict and firm, yet loving and dedicated – a beautiful balance. A year into our relationship, she participated in “formal” talk-stories and panel discussions with us, and then invited us to award ceremonies, honoring's, and hula workshops as well. She was a busy Kumu who continued to give until her passing. We were blessed to be able to nominate Auntie Joanie for a special recognition in her twilight years – a deserved honor for a passionate and loving woman of hula.