Voyaging in the heart of the Pacific
The resurgence of Polynesian Navigators, who sail the oceans using celestial knowledge, deep concentration, and total environmental observation – without charts or compasses – is one of the most powerful stories of cultural revival on Earth.
Over the last 50 years, it has spread across the Pacific. Our mission is to write and distribute an important chapter: the first modern history of voyaging from the Cook Islands, including the life story of the region’s first Master Navigator, Teuatakiri (Tua) Pittman.
“I want to tell the stories of my lifetime and what voyaging means to the Pacific people. Only then can voyaging become a source of pride, and only then can we secure the next generation of Navigators.”
Master Navigator, Teuatakiri (Tua) Pittman
The largest nation on Earth
Look at the Pacific Ocean again. Those vast expanses of water do not divide us; they connect us.
We can only take pride in the stories that we know
“Voyaging gives us strength, pride, mana [spirit/spiritual power]. Mana to know that we are of these islands, to know who we are and where we come from. We nearly lost it, and we don’t want to lose it again. To keep the practice alive, we must keep the stories alive.”
Master Navigator, Teuatakiri (Tua) Pittman
May 2022: Invitation
On the aft deck of a ship, Tua asks Jennifer, “Will you help me write down my life story?”
October 2022: Rapanui
A last minute opening for a trip to Rapanui (Easter Island). In the Polynesian triangle, this is the hardest point to reach.
November 2022: Rarotonga
The project really begins. One month on Tua’s home island of Rarotonga to record many, many conversations.
February 2023: Aotearoa
Another point on the Polynesian triangle and a chance to visit sacred sites and attend cultural events.
April 2023: Rarotonga
A return to the Cook Islands for the blessing of a new voyaging canoe, Pikea.
June 2023: Alaska
Launch of the Moananuiākea Voyage for the famous Hawai’ian canoe, Hokule’a. Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida people host a welcome.
September 2023: Taiwan
Research into the origins of the Polynesian migration, which began here 5,000 years ago.
October 2023: Micronesia
A voyage through these tiny islands and into the home region of Tua’s teacher, Mau Piailug.
November 2023: Hawai’i
A visit to the people and landmarks that helped train this generation of Navigators.
February 2024: Aotearoa
Time at Tuurangawaewae marae to learn more about Māori history and genealogy.
March 2024: Rarotonga
Days in the archives for extra research and fact-checking. We are indebted to the storytellers who came before us.
June 2024: Hawai’i
An incredible learning experience at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture on Oahu.
A year in the blue
The power of invitation
