Fort Johnson Cultural Center

HistoryAlex M. Tekurio was born and raised in Papeete, Tahiti. He was raised by grandparents; Taumata and Vahinerii Mapuhi, who taught him the importance of church, family, and culture. At the age of 14, his grandparents were assigned to coordinate the Tahitian village at the Polynesian cultural center (P.C.C) in Hawaii. While in Tahiti; Alex was constantly around masters who taught their unique skills of drumming, singing, and entertaining, but it was his family's move to Hawaii that helped cultivate and develop his love for the islands. In 1988 Alex and Tanya Tekurio organized Hitia O Te Ra (The rising of the sun). Hitia O Te Ra has won numerous awards and many accomplishments. Before his passing in October 2020, Alex gave his children a new name - Te Fano O Te Ra (The Voyage of the Sun). In his words, 'no matter where my children go, the sun will always follow.' Today, Te Fano INC teaches students in California and Utah the beauty of Polynesian through cultural and performing arts.SpecialtiesCultural and Performing - teaching the traditions Tahitian Dancing ('Ori Tahiti) and language.