We support ALL victims.
Aloha mai kākou,
Over the last few weeks, several concerns have been shared about Elijah McShane (EDITED, previous post and newsletter has/had the incorrect instagram handle - @sonofoahu), and, more recently reports of sexual assault and abuse have been disclosed by victims of Elijah.
As Project Koa Yoga, we want to make a statement in support of these and all victims. As we listen to those who have come forward, we also want to recognize all who have been harmed, spoken and unspoken.
We want to acknowledge our kuleana as being community space holders and centering survivors. We have worked with Elijah and held spaces where Elijah was in community with our PKY community, some of whom are survivors. Any harm that may have been caused inadvertently is still harm caused and we recognize that it may have happened because of your connection to PKY and this community.
As survivors, we understand that these unfolding accounts can be triggering and overwhelming. We sit with that kuleana and know that through time we have been able to build deeper relationships with many of our partners, teachers, and community members, to align ethically and spiritually. And we do lean on our community to continue to keep communication open if harm has ever come, does ever come, within our space and through relationship with PKY. We have and will continue to listen to and take action in support of survivors.
We continue to be a community space that centers survivors and trauma-informed, resilience-centered care, and, we are Yoga practitioners. We apologize for any harm that was caused because of a space we created. We want to remind you that it’s OK to be hurt, disappointed, and angry. And even now, we lean on our practices and focus on our community and how our liberation and healing is interwoven.
If you are in need of some support to feel grounded at this moment, please visit some of the following resources:
We also want to create a space for direct communication, you can reach out to us directly at info@projectkoayoga.com. Take care of yourself today and check in on others in your community. Together, we are resilient.
In Solidarity,
Laura & Victoria
Project Koa Yoga