The Warrior Within
A Powerful Cultural Exchange OF MAori Traditions with LANCE HOUIA
Recently, I had the extraordinary opportunity to film a men’s circle event in Chicago that brought together conscious men for a powerful cultural exchange. This event featured the renowned rugby player, Lance Houia, who traveled from New Zealand to teach the Haka, a traditional Māori warrior dance. The event was organized by Matthew Stackowicz, who is dedicated to fostering deep connections and cultural understanding through such transformative experiences in and around Chicago.
Lance Houia painting mens’ faces before the event.
Matthew Stackowicz and his son River meditating together.
The Haka is much more than just a dance; it’s a potent expression of life, death, and everything in between. The chant, "I live! I live! I die! I die!" reverberates through the soul, reminding us that in every moment, we must be filled with energy and awareness, ready to embrace whatever life throws at us. This warrior spirit was palpable as the men learned the movements, their inner warriors awakening with each powerful stomp and cry.
As I watched Lance guide the participants through the Haka, it was clear that this practice is a profound way to connect with one’s inner strength and leadership qualities. The energy in the room was electric, each man tapping into a deep well of emotion and vitality. It was a truly amazing experience to witness and capture on film.
The impact of this event extends beyond the men’s circle. Lance and Matthew will be hosting an all-gender Haka workshop later this fall, opening up this enriching practice to a wider audience. I highly encourage everyone to attend and experience the transformative power of the Haka for themselves.
As a woman, I felt honored to be welcomed into this sacred men’s space. I understand the importance of having spaces dedicated to supporting and working with our various identities. I was really lucky to capture some of the magic that unfolded during this event, and can't wait for the next all-gender event.
If you have a spiritual event, workshop, or retreat that you would like captured through video or photography, please reach out. I am passionate about documenting experiences that help communities and shape worlds, and I am excited to learn how we can capture the magic of your event.