The power of Indigenous tradition and wisdom will flow from the other side of the Pacific Rim to Vashon’s shores in a series of workshop sessions with Amelia Butler, Māori dance and cultural arts teacher, to be held on Friday, April 14, at the Vashon Methodist Church’s sanctuary.

These sessions, said organizer Erin Durrett, are designed to provide islanders with “insight and inspiration to delve into a relationship with the land” through movement, rhythm, voice, and ritual — all based on the deeply spiritual traditions of Māori culture.

Durrett said she was honored to bring Butler to Vashon — calling it a rare chance for islanders to take part in a workshop such as this.

Butler, an Indigenous Māori performer, dancer and choreographer, from Aotearoa, New Zealand, has taught and performed dance at an international level for 20 years. She founded and leads the Los Angeles-based performance group, Ngā Ānahera Māori, and teaches the Māori language through her company, Learn Māori Abroad.

Butler has taught haka — the traditional dance of the Māori — for organizations including the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), the YMCA, Sony, Pacific Island Ethnic Arts Museum, and more. She has performed haka at Warner Bros.’ Aquaman Exhibit, America’s Got Talent, the Pacific Island Festival (PIFA) San Diego, and many other venues. Amelia’s tribal affiliations are Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Awa.

On Vashon, Butler will offer three sessions on April 14.

“Singing the land: Māori Sacred Song, will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; “Song by hand: Maori Action Song,” from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; and “Haka: Embodied Song,” from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

In the final workshop, islanders will learn more about the history and cultural significance of the haka dance form to the Māori people, and learn to perform the dance, known for its distinctive stances and dramatic vocal and facial expressions.

“Haka activates your personal power and authentic self,” said Durrett. “It is a transformational, enlivening and empowering experience.

The suggested donation for adults is $60 per session and $150 for all three sessions. For youth and children, there is a suggested donation is $15 per session. If cost is an issue, pay what you can. For more information and to register, email singingthelandvashon@gmail.com.

Learn more about Butler’s work at learnmaoriabroad.com.